Rotary: Leadership Breakfast – Preparing For Leadership 

I joined Rotary International in 2022. Throughout my time in secondary school and campus, I had no interest in anything associated with Rotary. I kept my distance from the Interact and Rotaract clubs, influenced by misconceptions I wasn’t ready to research.

The Covid-19 lockdown brought me face to face with Rotary, despite my efforts to avoid it. An old boy from Mbarara High School invited me to speak about social media at the Rotary Club of Kulambiro. I hesitated, feeling unqualified, but he encouraged me to share how I would address social media needs for a company. 

This marked my first virtual speaking engagement with Rotarians. This opportunity led to more invitations to speak on social media, and with each meeting, I learned more about Rotary International. I often felt unqualified, believing there was someone more experienced who could do better.

In 2021, I was invited to speak at the Rotary Club of Kampala Springs, where I met Counsel Ronald Oine, a skilled lawyer and passionate supporter of Rotary, along with Rtn. Charles Odaga, who was knowledgeable about Rotary and actively recruited members. They invited me to Kololo for a meeting to establish a new Rotary club and join.

I decided to accept the invitation to be a charter member of the Rotary Club of Upper Kololo, with Rtn. Ronald Oine as our charter president. I gathered my dues to join the club but unfortunately missed our Charter Night celebration due to a work assignment. I was still learning about club dynamics and the terms used in Rotary.

In this new club, I was assigned a leadership role in social media. My task was to create and manage the club’s social media accounts and develop content showcasing our activities. I still felt unqualified for this role, as I had before. During the 2022-2023 Rotary year, my president and fellow members mentored me about Rotary International. I found great support in Rtn. Joyce Odoki Sadoori, who answered my many questions and provided training on leadership and expectations.

A year into my time at the Rotary Club of Upper Kololo, I met many new people and expanded my network. Joining Rotary has been a significant opportunity for me to grow in character, leadership, and service to those in need. I missed the 98th DISCON (District Conference), where our new club was recognized in the award ceremony, bringing home a significant number of awards for a club just a year old.

In the 2023-2024 year, under President Rtn. Joyce Odoki Sadoori, I was again brought on board as the social media lead for the club. Despite still feeling incompetent, I received guidance and support from my fellow Rotarians. Together, we launched several social media initiatives, including the Boy Child Uplifting Campaign (BCUP), a signature project of District Governor Rtn. Edward Kakembo Nsubuga.

I attended the 99th DISCON in 2024, where the Rotary Club of Upper Kololo was recognized as Club of the Year. Members of my club received individual honors for their contributions to service. This was my first DISCON, and I found the learning opportunities inspiring. As I take on the role of social media lead at the district level under new District Governor Rtn. Anne Nkutu, I’m grateful for the support from the District Public Image team. I’m also learning a great deal from my club president, Rtn. Dan Alinange, a seasoned communication specialist.

On November 2, 2024, I attended the Leadership Breakfast hosted by District 9213 Governor Elect Rtn. Geoffrey Kitakule for the 2025-2026 year, under the theme “Preparing for Leadership.” I am honored to be part of his district leadership team. Serving at my club and the district while balancing a full-time job and pursuing a degree has been a life-changing experience, revealing areas for personal improvement I might have missed otherwise.

Rotary and the Rotarians I have met have been training me for leadership—enhancing my skills in personal development, family life, and community service. From managing finances and time to conflict resolution and building trust, these experiences have shaped my capabilities.

From the recent training session, I reaffirm my commitment to completing the leadership courses on My Rotary and serving in my roles with dedication. I continue to learn and invite you to join me in Rotary, where we can serve together. At the Rotary Club of Upper Kololo, we meet every Friday from 1-2 PM at Roza Dymz in Kololo. I am grateful for the training I have received and continue to receive as I prepare for leadership.

The End. 

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