KAMPALA—In the financial year ending June 30, Rotarians in Uganda raised nearly Shs2.5 billion (USD 645,000) to support Rotary’s global community initiatives. This substantial contribution places Uganda as the highest-giving country in the region, second only to Nigeria in Africa, and among the top 30 contributors worldwide to The Rotary Foundation (TRF), according to a statement from Rotary District 9213.
The Rotary Foundation allocates these funds to various causes, including providing clean water and sanitation, supporting education, preventing and treating diseases, saving mothers and children, fostering local economies, promoting peace, and protecting the environment. Rotary International has set an ambitious goal to grow the Foundation’s Endowment Fund to $2.025 billion by 2025. District 9213, encompassing most of Uganda, aims to contribute at least $700,000 toward this global target.
To facilitate easier and more convenient donations, District Governor Anne Nkutu launched the 25 x 25 TRF Relay on July 1, a mobile money-based giving solution. This new platform will supplement existing donation methods, such as direct card payments and club collections.
In Uganda, contributions to the Rotary Foundation have enabled the implementation of numerous community service projects. These include providing clean water and sanitation in remote communities and constructing classroom blocks and dormitories. “Part of increasing the impact of our community service projects is ensuring that we have a strong resource base,” stated District Governor Nkutu. Last year, clubs in District 9213 carried out projects worth over Shs2 billion.
These impactful initiatives are part of Rotary Uganda’s long-standing efforts. For example, the Rotary Blood Bank at Mengo Hospital has significantly alleviated the blood shortage crisis in the country. The annual Rotary Cancer Run has raised awareness and funded the construction of two bunkers at Nsambya Hospital, which house critical testing and treatment machines.
Additionally, Uganda hosts the Rotary Family Health Days, a large-scale annual health campaign providing free healthcare services and referrals to thousands of citizens. By 2020, this initiative had served nearly a million Ugandans, addressing the shortage of medical facilities and health workers in many communities.
Uganda also boasts Africa’s first Rotary Peace Centre at Makerere University, which trains individuals dedicated to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. “This Rotary year, we are going to consolidate, increase our impact, and promote sustainability,” said District Governor Nkutu. “We aim to build on existing projects and encourage clubs to stay committed to their current initiatives to enhance our overall impact.”
