The Rotary Club of Mbarara was admitted into Rotary International on the 24th December 1984 and it received its Charter on 25th February 1985. The Charter Certificate was handed over by the late Amu Shah (Rotary Club of Arusha) who was Governor of Rotary District 920.
The Club was sponsored by Rotary Club of Kampala and its Charter President was Rtn. John Ntimba (RIP). Its gazetted meeting venue was Tree Shade Hotel (present day University Inn).
The 1985/6 war of “liberation” led to very severe attrition of club membership since most charter members who were civil servants abandoned the war-ravaged Mbarara town. After the war, the very few surviving charter members (Dr. Jotham Tumwesigye, Nathan Kitarakure) embarked on a recruitment drive targeting indigenous non-transferable individuals. That drive recruited the likes of Rtn Sam Rubatsimbira and, yours truly, Rtn Balaam Kasiisi (who had just returned from studies in the USA and joined the club on 16th July 1987). I mention us two because we are still members of the club. We both served as Club Presidents: Rtn Sam 1989/90, and I, Rtn Balaam 1990/91.
Some of the current members who joined in early 1990s include Apollo Muhumuza, Edwin Mugume, Pastor Kamagara, Denis Kwizera, and Ben Tayebwa. Around 1986/87, Rotary District 920 lost Tanzania to 921, retaining Djibouti, Ethiopia , Kenya, Uganda, and the islands of Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles. The vast nature of the district and varying peoples and cultures of these member countries spiced up the District Conferences, especially the famous “Wine and Cheese” night hosted by the Island clubs who flew in the goodies.
Members have attended district conferences in Addis Ababa, Dar Es Salaam, Entebbe, Kampala, Mombasa and Nairobi. The Rotary Club of Mbarara has continued to grow in leaps and bounds albeit with some challenges. The membership has grown steadily to the current 55 with the number of females 15. The average retention rate is 85 % (for past presidents it is a paltry 40%). The Club has had 4 female Presidents (Maureen, Suxanne, Praise and Sheila). //photo of the ladies
In spite of a positive net growth, the age of the club (36 years in Feb 2021) and low membership (60) means we have had to recycle members in leadership. This has resulted in serious inefficiency and lack of zeal.
Some members have served beyond the Club: Country Chair (Edwin Mugume); District.”…. Officer and DCA co- Chair (Kenneth Kagame); Country Humanitarian Grants Officer (Balaam Kasiisi), Western Region mobilization lead for Rotary Cancer Run (Praise Tindi). The club has also produced Assistant Governors namely: Jotham Tumwesigye, Balaam Kasiisi, Edwin Mugume, Maureen Kahima, Kenneth Kagame, Suxanne Kateeba, Apollo Ampumwize and Allan Asingwire. The club has potential for member leadership growth as members get identified & nominated to serve beyond club level. Rtns. Douglas (incoming District Youth Service Chair), Allan (Qualifications), Praise as an Assistant Governor Elect and Robertson to serve as part of the district membership committee in D9214
The Rotary Club of Mbarara is reputed for being the only one in the world to have its own home(opened 2005); hosting the best after fellowship “Kimeeza”; being initiator of “kasiiki and breakfast” at installation functions(3 day marathon of feasting); hosting the best and most affordable Intercity conferences and mega fellowships, and being jovial and hospitable.
The story of the Rotary Club of Mbarara is a reflection of the diversity, commitment and dedication of its members!
