On the 2
nd of November 2013, a good group of jolly good
fellows gathered in Kigali’s Nyabugogo International Airport (don’t
Google that) to board their ‘jet’ to the Uganda which hosted the Rotary
International Presidential African conference (RIPAY), themed ‘Taking
Charge of the future’.
The team gears for take off
The group had a representation of the New generations’ family in
Rwanda with 3 Interactors, and 8 Rotaractors from the various Rotaract
and Interact Clubs in Rwanda. Represented were, the Rotaract Clubs of
Kigali City, KIE, and SFB-Kigali as well as the Interact Clubs of FAWE,
Kagarama, and the newly chartered club of King David. It was an exciting
journey as the group used a joint passport that could not allow any of
them to wander off alone leaving the others behind.
On arrival, a wholesome group of Rotaractors, Rotarians and other
youth (whom I prefer to call the ‘friends of Rotary’) gathered in the
Ugandan capital Kampala, to honor the presence of the Rotary
International President, Ron D. Burton in the hood. It was such an
amazing experience as the guests from different countries were treated
to a beautiful evening at Ndere centre, a cultural centre in Kampala.
Delegates were from Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan,
United States, Burundi, Benin and our dear host country, Uganda.
Watching the action lyk they were Chief Guests
At Ndere Center
The beautiful scene was crowned by different cultural performances
which left the whole crowd lit up with cheerful faces and screams as the
guests enjoyed their dinner. The Master of Ceremony had rehearsed
enough to leave the crowd nursing their ribs as he focused on what he
does best.
The following day, being a Monday, we all assembled at Kiwuliriza
Primary School, in Namuwongo, one of the suburbs of Kampala City, to
kick-start the projects of the day. Shortly after we had all arrived,
the Presidential convoy touched down with President Ron and his dear
wife, Jetta Burton who immediately participated in all the
four projects of the day; Tree Planting, Malaria testing and
distribution of mosquito nets and reproductive health kits by the
Rotaract Club of IHSU, Cancer screening by the Rotaract Club of Kiwatule
and its sponsored Rotaract clubs, Blood donation by the Uganda Blood
bank (this one we successfully missed), supported by the Rotaract Clubs
in Kampala, as well as hand washing along soap-making, supported by
various Rotaract Clubs in Kampala.
Interactor Alice signs autographs 4 excited Interactors- i swear
Locals benefited from free HIV/AIDS testing and counseling services,
malaria and cancer screening for women, free family planning services
and health education on hand-washing. President Burton praised the
Ugandan Rotarians and Rotary actors for supporting various under
privileged groups in Uganda.
Team Rwanda with UG interactors
You realize it was a bunch of projects all done at the same time, so
you can imagine the look on some people’s faces by the end of these
projects. Some jolly good fellows had started rocking the neighborhood
for all sorts of snacks, water and the newest brands of juice on the
Ugandan market. Clearly, they had run out of patience as the President
proceeded with his tours of the various projects. The good news only
came around when a lunch announcement was made, and the different
delegates from the Rotary fraternity treated themselves to the Ugandan
delicacies. Unfortunately for some of fellows who have not been so
familiar with the custom lately, the long queues deterred them from
reaching to the serving tables and they walked away on empty stomachs-
yet singing ‘for we are jolly good fellows…’. But there was at least
enough for everyone that was willing.
The President greets the youth on arrival
Immediately after the meal, we all left the project scene and headed
to ‘Kati-Kati’ restaurant where we had a joint Rotaract fellowship with
the RI President, where we had Rtn Charity Githiji, as a Guest Speaker,
under the theme, ‘Taking charge of the future personal branding’. This
was yet another experience of being a part of a crowd of
Rotaractors. And after a long debate, it was agreed that the
‘after-fellowship’ be held at ‘The Red House’, a well known fellowship
venue for the Rotaract Club of Kyambogo. At this house, we rocked only
until 1 am when the sad news was announced that there were no more
drinks left in the house. Most of the jolly good faces suddenly turned
into gloomy ones as they were given a forceful send off to their empty
beds…for those who went straight to bed- we ain’t Rotarians!
The main Conference
On Tuesday, by 8:00 am, all delegates were assembled at Hotel
Africana. The conference was graced by the presence of many dignitaries,
among whom the RI President, Ron. D. Burton, RI Director, RI Trustee
Sam Owor, District Governor D9211, Emanuel Katongole, IPDG, Geeta Manek,
to mention but a few. At the end of the day is when we had a mass
dinner, hosted at the D9211 District Governor, Emmanuel Katongore’s
residence in honor of the President Ron D. Burton. Here, we were treated
to a fun-filled evening by the Jazzing and dancing Rotarians with Her
Royal Highness, the Queen of Buganda Kingdom, Her Royal Highness,
Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda , as the Chief Guest at the dinner.
The CP being attentive at the conference (i think).
Again, many of us could not do much to avoid hitting the Kampala
night life, despite the cold chills. So, we all hit the Galaxy night
club in town. Trust me this worked out a good revenge as we only retired
at the mercy of the early morning cleaners who had to start their day’s
work. They sent us out into the morning rain. While some of us enjoyed
the rhythms of the Kampala night life, others could not keep away from
the comfort of the self-made beds at the night club (pool tables, bar
counter and DJ’s turn table) despite the thrilling loud music. Thank God
there was no work the following day, otherwise, as you read this many
of us would be jobless because just like everything comes to an end, the
end of the conference to many meant the beginning of a sleeping
episode…The early birds only woke up at 11 am and started packing their
bags for yet the journey back home and by 7:00pm, they were on the bus
back to the country of 1000 hills.
CP Norryn meets the RI President
As for me and my International Service Director, we had unfinished
business to settle. ..Don’t shoot! It was all at Rotary grounds.
The following day, some of us had the honor of attending a fellowship
chaired by the President Ron. D Burton himself at the Rotary Club of
Muyenga, Kampala, a club that boasts the biggest membership in Africa.
It’s a true story, these good fellows barely know each other, despite
the fact that they meet every other Wednesday of the week and it was
indeed a great crowd for just the membership of the club. This was one
of the very last of President Burton’s activities in the Pearl of
Africa, before he departed.
All in all, its an occasion that seems to only come once in a long
time, if not in a lifetime, and it was an honor to be part of it this
year. Cheers to the Rotary family in Rwanda, the jolly good fellows that
made it the dream to many a reality to a few.
Article by Peter King Olo - International Service Director-Rotaract Club of Kigali city
