The Rotary Club of Sonde has grown steadily over the years under successive leaders, earning recognition for its impactful service projects and vibrant membership.
The Rotary Club of Sonde held a vibrant Charter Night ceremony at Sonde Gardens, officially installing retired Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons David Sekabembe Nsalasatta as its 6th president.
The event attracted Rotary District 9213 Governor Gerald Obai, past leaders, president-elects, and members from various clubs, highlighting themes of leadership continuity, service, growth, and community impact.
The evening combined reflection, humor, and inspiration as speakers recounted the club’s journey from its formative years to becoming an award-winning community service organization in Sonde and surrounding areas.
District Governor Gerald Obai set a lively tone with a humorous anecdote from a recent visit to the club. He recalled being served the club’s popular soup accompanied by generous chicken portions before being pulled away by enthusiastic president-elects for photographs, only to return and find his chicken gone.
“I was like, okay, now I’m paying for telling my presidents to be crazy,” Obai joked, drawing laughter from guests.
He added that the incident may have been a reminder to “eat healthy,” while encouraging the club to continue embracing bold ideas without losing focus on the finer details that matter.
Obai praised the transformation of Sonde into a more organized and vibrant community, attributing the progress to deliberate leadership and committed membership.
“For those who have been here for a number of years, you can now talk about Sonde as a very organized community,” he said.
He challenged the incoming president to build on the club’s momentum.
“Refuse to remain where we are. We are moving forward,” he added.
The District Governor also emphasized compassionate leadership, urging Rotary leaders to prioritize member welfare and engagement.
“A president without committed members will only be a president by title,” he noted. “But a president with committed members will lead a club that changes lives and supports communities.”
Outgoing President Catherine Barasa described her tenure as an effort to “add another brick” to the club’s continued growth and development.
She compared Rotary service to the often unnoticed but essential work of laying bricks that ultimately form a strong and lasting structure.
Barasa highlighted several major initiatives undertaken during her leadership, including the Cerebral Palsy Project at St. Charles in Bukerere, which supports children and families facing stigma and physical challenges.
The project has provided customized wheelchairs, medical assistance, classrooms, and play facilities for affected children.
She also cited the club’s environmental conservation efforts under Mission Green in Luwero, maternal and child health programs in Bukerere, the 7×7 partnership initiative, and upcoming specialized health camps with Rotaplast International for cleft conditions and burn scar treatment.
Economic empowerment projects, school support programs at Nyenga Secondary School, and water, sanitation, and skilling initiatives were also highlighted.
“Members come first. They are the foundation of everything we can achieve,” Barasa said as she thanked Assistant Governor William Kaguma, partner clubs, and corporate supporters including Faith High School and UMC Hospital.
She pledged continued support from past presidents to the incoming leadership.
In his acceptance speech, Rtd. ACGP David Sekabembe Nsalasatta expressed gratitude for the confidence entrusted in him and credited Charter President Catherine Barasa for encouraging him to join Rotary.
A respected former senior officer in the Uganda Prisons Service, Sekabembe previously served as Director of Production and Engineering as well as Director of Rehabilitation Services.
He acknowledged the strong foundation laid by previous leaders and pledged to work closely with members and his leadership team to expand the club’s impact.
Among his priorities for the new Rotary year are maternal and child health, cerebral palsy support, education, water and sanitation, peace initiatives, and road safety programs.
“We intend to work with the community for impactful service,” Sekabembe said. “We shall try to be bold in all our programs. Big programs, but also the small ones that directly touch people’s lives.”
He thanked the large number of president-elects and Rotary leaders who attended the ceremony and expressed appreciation to District Governor Gerald Obai for gracing the event despite his busy schedule.
The Rotary Club of Sonde has grown steadily over the years under successive leaders, earning recognition for its impactful service projects and vibrant membership.
As the evening concluded with celebrations and toasts, members reaffirmed their commitment to unity, compassion, disciplined leadership, and innovative community service.
With strong district support and an energized membership, the club’s new leadership is expected to steer the Rotary Club of Sonde into another transformative chapter of service and community impact.
