Rotary Club of Kajjansi: 2019

Let’s Contribute $30 each to The Rotary Foundation

Message from Connecting President Joyce Mpalanyi Magala

The Rotary Foundation (TRF) month of November reminds us of the “deep and lasting relationship with the UN that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated.” The links of Rotary areas of focus towards attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) become more pronounced and evident. Indeed, Rotary International President Mark Maloney emphasizes that, “alone we cannot provide clean water for all, we cannot eliminate hunger, and eradicate polio, but together with partners like the United Nations, of course we can,” during this year of connecting.

Moreover, TRF through Districts and Clubs calls attention to the programs of The Rotary Foundation and frequently cultivate additional financial support for the Foundation by promoting contributions for Paul Harris Fellows and Sustaining Members. The contributions to TRF by RC Kajjansi have steadily grown as reflected in this edition of the Monthly Brick. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the club members who have significantly shared their resources over the years to reach out to the most vulnerable communities. Special recognition goes to the first time givers and those who have added sapphires in the RY 2019/2020.

PE Nannyonjo Annet PHF +3
President Magala Joyce PHF+2
PAG Baganja Charles PHF+1
AG Baganja Theresa PHF+1
Rtn Byabagambi John PHF+1
Rtn Ezama William PHF
Rtn Nicholas Kibuuka PHF
Rtn Kawere Barbra PHF
Rtn Magala Charles PHF+1

As we give, let us connect with the rotary fraternity for partnerships; build a pipeline of projects in order to utilize the Global Grants. During his visit, DG Xavier encouraged us to become 100% donating club to The Rotary Foundation as each member contributes at least $30. Members, YES we CAN.

I wish to thank the Rotary fraternity who made connections with RC Kajjansi during the economic study at the farm of Dr. Emma Naluyima and the love shown to our candidates as they prepared for the final exams.

We look forward to an exciting TRF month under the able leadership of the TILES Buddy Group.

Message from Connecting President Joyce Mpalanyi Magala

The Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to invest in people by creating sustainable, measurable and long term economic improvements in their communities. Hence, the month of October is dedicated to Economic and community development. As Rotarians around the world we are called upon to “get involved in projects that support investments in people to create measurable and enduring economic improvement in their lives and communities among many others, building capacity to support economic growth, reduce poverty and create opportunities for work.”

The Brick October 2019

A flash back at the DGs visit on 7th September 2019 was a memorable day as the board meeting was held in a newly commissioned classroom block at Katwe Bweya in Wakiso district. We not only connected, but dined and danced away in the cool lake breeze at the home of by PP Jude Kaliisa who freely opened his gate for us to enjoy.

Thumbs up for Rtn Sylvia the MG Officer and our “youngest Rotarian” SSS who delivered the 4000 tree seedlings to RC Kajjansi Mission Green partner, Uganda Prisons Kasanje where 10 hectares of land are gradually being afforested. We thank God for the rains that have watered the seedlings immediately after the tireless effort by RC Kajjansi members who were supported by RC Bwebajja.

We thank PAG Peace for continuously raising RCK flag at many occasion and specifically at the recent Rotary Zonal Institute in Egypt. We acknowledge PAG Kaloli and the team who raised awareness and reviewed the club byelaws. PAG Rosemary Byanyima and IP Flavia thank you for your guidance and effective leadership respectively that earned RC Kajjansi a Rotary International Gold Citation by PRIP Rasin Barry.

The list is endless and I am truly humbled by the enormous effort and connections exhibited by all club members and the rotary family at various events. Let us keep the connecting spirit of service above self. We cannot wait to see the Bricks Buddy Group lead us through the month of Economic Empowerment.

Fun, Passion, and dedication as RC Kajjansi Monitors Projects in Buikwe
Saturday, 5th October 2019 started off as an otherwise ordinary day. The rotary club of Kajjansi under the stewardship of the Director of Projects, Rotarian Tenywa Godfrey had earlier scheduled a trip to Buikwe district, particularly to among other issues, visit the St. Padre Pio Rotary Technical institute in a small village called Lugoba and as well get acquainted with other community related activities in the area.

Rotarians, Rotractors and friends converged as early as 6:30 am at Nican Country resort. The team wasn’t without the current and past top leadership of the club. We set off in the company of our own connecting Rotarian President Joyce Mpalanyi Magala, immediate Past president Flavia Mujurizi Natukunda, past President Charles Magala, not forgetting the youngest Rotarian on board, none other than Sulpisio Ssemakula Ssemwogerere Konkomebi (SSS), who for some reason kept jovial throughout the trip. On board too, were Rotarians from Namasuba, Gaba Rotary Clubs and Rotaract clubs of Kajjansi & University of Kisubi. We are forever indebted to their support.
Fun, passion and dedication defined the trip that day. This trip was not meant to be necessarily for fun but to primarily undertake rotary work in the area. The team was able to work as well as have fun. Rotary work begins in the community, and every community has its own unique needs and challenges. The team had the opportunity to experience this that day, in Buikwe district.

The team arrived at the St. Padre Pio Rotary technical institute at about 11:15 am and immediately took off to first visit two groups of Young Ladies being sponsored by the Baylor School of Medicine Children’s Foundation. Under the guidance of Brother Kizza the Principal of St. Padre Pio Rotary Technical Institute, we were able to meet and engage with two groups of young ladies, one at Makindu and another at Bubiiro skilling centers, undergoing vocational training in Tailoring & Hair dressing. Makindu training center has a population of 53 students while Bubiiro has 22 students. The young ladies are excited to be part of this training and are hopeful their livelihoods will change should they successfully complete the trainnings.

The groups enumerated various challenges they are faced with in this program; Ranging from inadequate training materials/Facilities to shelter, cooking facilities and transport. They stated that whereas they were wholly committed to the program, they are often affected by such challenges hampering steady progress in the trainings. They pleaded for appropriate interventions. Despite the challenges the students look forward to their graduation day where they have been promised to take with them work materials like sewing machines for those in the tailoring class and saloon equipment for the hair dressing class.
President Joyce Magala, PP Charles Magala, the Principal- Brother Kizza, Rotarians and Rotaractors underscored the great and rare opportunity the Ladies had got in such a program. The Ladies were enlightened about Rotary International. They were encouraged to take the program quite more seriously and as well take care of their lives more purposefully, to ensure that their efforts are not in vain. The Rotary team could only assure the ladies of their continued support going forward.

After about 2:45 p.m. it was time to return to the technical Institute which is the main campus facilitating the other two ladies groups. On our way back we passed by Maama Dan’s home to say hullo! This happens to be Maama Tenywa! She received us warmly and saw us off warmly.

Back at the Technical institute, we were able to inspect the facility and commission the newly constructed Men’s VIP toilet. Many thanks to the Projects Director and the projects team that pulled this off. It is imperative to note that the blocks, the metal work and the actual construction was undertaken by the institute’s learners! Kudos to the institute.
At the school assembly where we met the students of the institute, the student leaders & Staff were greatful for the opportunity that has been given to them by Rotary club of Kajjansi. Brother Kizza the principal of the institute mentioned the courses offered at the institute; tailoring, hair styling, Fashion & design, Carpentry & Joinery, welding, cookery and Agriculture which is a compulsory unit.

The institute like their sister branches is also faced with some challenges; Mainly, Lack of an Incinerator, Lack of safe drinking water, Unstable Utility Power and if the principal’s projection of higher numbers at the institute in the coming year is anything to go by, inadequate classroom blocks. The institute also still has a challenge of attracting members of the community to the institute, most of their students come from other districts. Needless to mention, Rotarians need to widen their scope of imagination in as far as curbing these challenges in the coming years is concerned.

By and large, the trip was such an exciting; rewarding and enlightening one in as far as identifying opportunities to serve Humanity through the various Six focus areas is concerned. I am sure all of us are looking forward to such an opportunity very soon. What started as an ordinary Saturday ended up as a great day! Thank you all who attended.

My trip to Rotary Zone Conference in Egypt

By PAG Peace Taremwa MD

My first time to attend a Zonal conference was at Munyonyo (oba Zone 21A – The African English speaking Districts) when I was very new in Rotary and I was honoured to receive my PHF pin and pendulum from the RI President, Ray.

Fast forward, I looked forward to the widely advertised first ever Zone 22 conference in Egypt and despite the office engagement I had during that week, I decided to take on a night flight.

There was this Sarah, a key organizer who was like a computer, before you finish asking for any particular item, she would give the answer. Her actions were REAL TIME and she made my arrangements too smooth. I was glad when I delivered to her gits of coffee and some “kaleesu”

I knew I had read the information on the flier so well and some how, that the conference was somewhere in Cairo at a place called Sham el sheikh. My “until death does us apart” was very ready to escort me and we took on Egypt Air where they serve too much and too good food and lots of soft drinks. I forgot to take the other “drinks” at least on “the head !” On reaching Cairo, ready for the after break session and later on a Major Donors and Ach Klump Society Luncheon for which I was on schedule, I called my Sarah to send me a car. To my surprise and disbelief, she informed me that we were more than 500km away and it would take me about six hours if we hired a limosine from the airport or about eight hours by bus. The possibility of a plane was only by charter since the next flight was expected the following day at 7:00am. At this point, I realised that Omungari wala ! Instantly, I aquired a payable of USD 150 and six hours to Sham el sheikh. Next time , I will take a geography lesson before I travel.

Our now new type of journey took us through the real desert and I got an opportunity to travel such a long distance along a sandy environment. Literary all roads avoided hills and it was a pleasant ride with our English illiterate driver and his Arabic illiterate passengers. He confessed he loves smoking but not beer. I responded that I love beer but not cigarettes, either way, we were partners in crime. We endured many road blocks as they reminded us that we were africans until I asked him whether Egypt was ever shifted to another continent! At one of the road blocks where we were expected (they really communicate from the point of first checking until the hotel of destination) they were waiting for Canadians not “Ugandananians” that we had become. At some point we moved out for a kodak moment and to allow the smoker do his bit. This took some few minutes and all of a sudden a police patrol car had come in to help us, if we had any “challenges”.

As we moved, I realied that if we continue cutting trees on top of our hills, we would one day get such bare hills. I admired how they appreciated the rather permanent sun and have installed solar panels at each of their telecommunication masts. No need to divert an electricity line to serve a mast. I loved the stop over benches, which are just a turn off from the main road.

Towards 7:00pm, the environment was getting cosy with rich traffic and street lights. The driver was quick to announce that we were getting to the tourist city, Sham el sheikh. He told us how the city had been “hired” to Saudi Arabia and was now growing at first class rate. At 19:35 hrs, we were ushered into our reserved hotel and guess what, the first person to see and receive us was DG Xavier. He gave us a brief of what was going on and welcomed us to the closing ceremony due the following day!

Since we had not bought a local sim card (ignore why not) , our communication to other colleagues was off and I chose to roam the night with the vigilant West Africans as my spouse chose to rest. One DG of Benin who eventually became my buddy asked why they endeavour to learn some English and I was adamant to learn some French. We agreed that when he comes to Uganda in 2020, we shall be speaking French (pray for me).

Our registration fee was reduced to 50% since we were now paying for one day. I used the morning to attend and listen to the super good speakers, Rotarians talking of Africa in 2063. I saw forward planners, I saw planning when none will be around to enjoy their sweat, I listened to CVs that made me look the small I am. I was consoled that at least I have what to look forward to, I was greatly inspired. During the break I took the opportunity to take pics with the RIPE, our RID/ Vice RIP, our District 9211 Governors. I was in a sea of District Governors past and present and Major Donors. At self introduction time, they must have waited for me to tell them what my industry back home produces, in vain ! Many were big time manufacturers, producers for different continents and world class CEOs. I only told them how I am a good worker who gets remuneration regularly (never mind whether they wondered what I was doing in their midst). I just realized that there is more I need to do.

As the closing ceremony went on, we recognized the new AKS members. The communique was shared and its available on the Rotary website. You could realise how humanity loves gifts/ being appreciated. The strong women and men gave speeches on how they had taken long without receiving gifts ! They were all praise of Rotary.

In the evening, our eight executive buses were escorted by police vehicles for a serious treat some 30 minutes away on the foothills of a rocky sand hill. The Arabic songs turned many great men and women seen during the day to queen dancers at night. The Nigerians were so good because they had some memory sticks with their music. They too danced crazy. My other Sarah came and whispered to me that if we have Uganda music, I would share it. Rotarian after Rotarian, no one had any Uganda Music and that’s why we opted to dance to anything that came through the loudspeakers. At 11pm, it was time to close and our police which was keeping a keen eye, retuned us to our hotels.

Some of us abebigele, found it cheaper to set off from Sham el sheikh at 1:00am so that we could enjoy Cairo. At 8:35am on Sunday we were in Cairo where our taxi driver and guide took us literary everywhere, including pyramids, churches and mosques.

I was however not excited with the cleaniliness as much of Cairo looked as clean as Kalerwe on a market day and Bwaise when it has not rained. It was a complete contrast of Sham el Sheikh. The driving habits come second to those in our Kampala Old Taxi Park. In one of the historic churches, we prayed for our son Emmanuel and all candidates in Uganda since on that day, there was dedication in many Uganda schools.

At 7:00pm, our new driver, when asked about the beer, he said, “I love him” and I proposed we take the remaining bottles from the airport where he works. When we reached, I telephoned his boss to check on him if he was to continue working for the evening.