Preparations are complete for the Charter Night of the Rotary Club of Bukerere, located in Goma Division, Mukono Municipality. The event will take place on June 8, 2025, at Volt Lounge along Bukerere Road.
Charter President Rtn. Augustine Kirungi, who also serves as the head teacher of St. Charles Lwanga SS Bukerere, described the milestone as the result of a steady and determined journey that deserves a grand celebration.
“It’s never easy to promote the idea of forming a Rotary Club,” Rtn. Kirungi said. “Many express interest at the start, but once it gets to the point of paying for membership, numbers drop. That’s when questions like, ‘What am I gaining?’ begin to emerge. But I’m proud to say we’ve taken baby steps and are now walking confidently.”
He expressed deep gratitude to Rtn. Kate Barasa, who has supported the club since the idea was first conceived in 2024. “It’s not easy for someone to commit time and resources to something with no financial gain, but Rtn. Kate Barasa has been with us throughout, spending her time and fuel to ensure our dream becomes a reality. I can’t thank her enough. I can only say she has given birth to us,” Kirungi said.
Rtn. Kate Barasa, Charter President of the Rotary Club of Sonde, has played a key role in the formation of several Rotary clubs across Uganda. She shared her joy at the successful establishment of the Rotary Club of Bukerere and invited all Rotarians to join the celebration.
“I don’t have words to express the joy I feel seeing the Rotary Club of Bukerere now fully registered,” she said. “It has been a journey with ups and downs, but all that is now behind us. We are ready to celebrate. I invite all Rotarians who can make it to Volt Lounge to come and be part of this milestone.”
According to Rtn. Kirungi, all Rotarians will pay UGX 100,000 to attend the Charter Night celebrations. Guests, including family members of Rotarians from across the country, are welcome at a fee of UGX 50,000. Rotary International President Stephanie A. Urchick congratulated the people of Bukerere on launching a new Rotary club and joining the global Rotary family.
“It is my honor to congratulate you on the new club charter of the Rotary Club of Bukerere, Uganda,” she said. “Your club’s addition to our family reflects Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self. It is also a testament to your club’s devotion to its members, your community, and the world we all share.”
Rtn. Joseph Kato, the publicity board member, who is also the founder of Daily Press Research Company, called on all Ugandan Rotarians to support the Charter Night by contributing via mobile money to Julius Oluka (0782968774), who serves as treasurer of the organizing committee.
Rtn. Kirungi and Rtn. Benjamin Mutebi, Chairperson of the Charter Night Organizing Committee, announced that the Guest of Honour will be Rtn. Anne Nkutu, District Governor of Rotary District 9213. The event will begin at 2:00 PM, with departures at leisure.
The Charter Night of the Rotary Club of Bukerere sounds like a significant milestone, and it’s inspiring to see such dedication from Rtn. Augustine Kirungi and Rtn. Kate Barasa. It’s not easy to build something from the ground up, especially when it involves convincing others to commit their time and resources. The journey of forming this club seems to have been filled with challenges, but the persistence paid off. I wonder, though, how the club plans to sustain this momentum and attract more members in the future. It’s great to see the community coming together to celebrate, but what specific projects or initiatives does the club have in mind to make a tangible impact in Bukerere? Also, how can individuals who aren’t Rotarians get involved or support the club’s efforts? This event feels like just the beginning—what’s the long-term vision for the Rotary Club of Bukerere?