Installation of President Byekwaso

The Hotel Management was uncooperative and the skies had threatened to open up earlier but nothing could dampen the mood. The hall was set and guests were ready to party the usual Kiwatule way. At about 6.00 pm on Friday 8th June 2012 the early birds starting filtering through the security check at main entrance of the 1970s famed and now newly refurbished Silver Springs Hotel. These impeccably dressed guests were coming to witness the transfer of leadership from the 9th to the 10th President of the Rotary Club of Kiwatule. A welcome cocktail hosted at the foyer to the banqueting hall was meant to put the guests in celebratory mood and by the time it was done at about 7.30 pm, every one was truly ready to partake and indulge hopefully ever mindful of the needs of others. Obviously there are some guests who missed out that little advisory about ‘formal dressing’ but we shall leave that for the Fashion Pages.

Performing one of his last duties as President, Rtn Fabian outlined the achievements of the club in the Rotary year that was coming to a close. “I am proud of our accomplishments and our commitment to service above self,” he said. “Our board promised you service and fun and this we attained as evidenced by the award we received from the district as one of the clubs with best FUN and FELLOWSHIP.” The outgoing then president expressed gratitude to the entire membership and his board for their support through the Rotary year. He especially recognized the support from the outgoing Club Secretary Simon Oola. ‘His flexibility and commitment were invaluable in keeping the club going.’ The President added. Fabby as he is fondly known by the members was particularly proud of the work that has been done in the four areas given as benchmarks for success by the outgoing District Governor Eric Kimani. “Under Service Projects IPP Ernest and Rtn Grace Jethro worked hard to get Barclays on board with us, while Rtn Fred Nsamba steered the success of the project that is the foundation of this club – the Kiwatule Medical Outreach” he said. “These gentlemen have helped our club serve the interests of people in our community.” The outgoing president went on to talk about the projects that were close to his birthplace. “We recognized a midwife who has been practicing her trade for over sixty years, and we extended free medical treatment to over 1,000 sick Matugganians!” he explained.

Rtn Fabian then reported on the Club’s contributions to the Paul Harris Fellowship where he said that although we had improved from the previous year we had failed to achieve ‘100% membership sustaining.’ He hastened to add that we however expected to reach the ‘US$100 per capita contribution’ by the end of the Rotary year. Finally, the outgoing president noted that the club had grown by 5 extra members outstandingly in the fields of medicine and media, which were so sought after. In addition, Fabiano pointed out that we had managed to grow our female membership from 28% to 36%. Ernest Kusiima was named Rotarian of the Year. Selected by the club president, the recipient is typically someone who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the club and has been of special assistance to the president during the past year. After he was done with his speech, which will definitely never make it to the list of short speeches ever made, the rituals for installing the new president commenced. The Oath of Presidency was administered to In-Coming President Godfrey Byekwaso by PDG Stephen Mwanje and guest of honour Mr. V.G. Somasekhar ensured that out-going President Fabian peacefully handed over the gavel and chain to in-coming President.

Godfrey’s first duty was to assist the PDG and Guest of Honour to install his new team. The new officers who had been earlier unveiled to the guests were each decorated with lapel pins signifying their responsibility. New president Godfrey pledged to continue the great work of Rotary started by his predecessors and added that with support and dedication from every member this should be easily achieved. He promised that under his selected theme ‘Love and Friendship’ every member should look forward to serving through the different avenues available ‘and no member is going to want to miss a service project’, he added. Cognizant of the fact that our alertness had been unimaginably stretched longer than we wished, Byeks was quick to conclude his remarks and give way to the Guest of Honour Mr. V G Somasekhar, the Managing Director for Airtel Uganda. Mr. Soma appreciated the work we do as Rotarians and pledged Ush. 5,000,000 on behalf of Airtel Uganda to support our activities in the coming Rotary year. Incoming President, Godfrey joined Rotary in 2005 and grew-up in Mukono. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Commerce from Makerere University and currently works with FINCA as the Finance Director. Godfrey is married to Clare and they have 3 children. Like it is the tradition of the club, the outgoing President selected and recognized some of the most supportive Rotarians in the year coming to a close and here together Wycliff’s list of the ‘Most Something’ category I bring you the full list of recognitions on the evening: Presidennt’s List Most Improved Rotarian – Rtn. Francis Ogwang Most Supporting Club Officer – Rtn. Simon Oola Rotarian of the Year - IPP Ernest Kusiima

Rotarian of the Year, PP Ernest Kusiima Wycliff’s List of the Evening Like it is the tradition in Kiwatule there was also time to compile Wycliff’s list for the best and worst performers: Loooooongest Speech of the Evening – Caleb Owino, introducing the Guest of Honour. What makes it very interesting that it was not even meant to be a speech. Smartest Rotarian on the Evening – David Ngobi, who was fully clad in his ceremonial police uniform. Hopefully he was given permission to appear in a police uniform at a civilian function. Mooost Shy Rotarian – Cathy Nassali, she could not dance with the Guest of Honour and she abandoned him mid-way the song. Strictest Rotarian – Alex Twesigye aka Mubiru who even bounced some people who had names spelt differently on the list he had. No wonder we got the highest collection ever at the entrance to a Kiwatule function. Last Word For everyone, there is always a ‘FIRST’! Do you remember your FIRST? Rotarian Ad had hers in very many ways. For once she managed to be at the function without actually attending the function, then she ended up being a date for someone without her knowledge. On this day, she lost everything! Bet you don’t follow. If you don’t you were either not at the function or you were but very inattentive. Besides you are not supposed to understand everything you read. I hope I am not pre-empting a lawsuit from those who missed out when I say that perhaps all installations should be like this one. WE CAME, WE PARTIED AND WE ENJOYED.