ROTARACT CLUB OF KAMPALA WEST Issue 6 2

Western Times we mean rotaract

Januray 2014

ROTARACT CLUB OF KAMPALA WEST | ©2013 IN THIS ISSUE

Wow! 2014 is here! I still catch myself writing dates ending with /2013. 2013 ended with a bang and the awesome news of our Editor Bright Onapito getting married next month. Which explains why I’m standing in for him, his hands are happily full with sealing the deal for his Mrs.

In this issue we have tales about twin clubs and potential twin clubs and a glimpse into the lovely day that was Bright’s intro to his lovely wife to be Diana. And to sum it all up, we have 2013 in pictures! Enjoy

PS: this is the Rotary awareness month so be sure to get your Rotaract on!

Proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kampala West

Agaba Caroline International service/Acting editor Rotaract Club of Kampala West

A trip to Rwanda

A search for cross border relations Page 3

The rotary theme and logo for 2014-2015

Toast to the pearl

Kampala through the eyes of Rotaract Westlands

Page 4

2013 in pictures Page 6

Editor’s Note

WESTERN TIMESWE MEAN ROTARACT | Issue6 2

It’s 2014, with it comes a feeling of a breath of fresh air or a new lease to life, however 2013 and it’s baggage was just a few days ago, this goes to show you what hope and fresh beginnings can do for all of us.

At Kampala West it feels a like a new chapter, with a new venue at Obligatto everything feels brand new. The President’s Oval office is indeed the place where hard decisions are made, six months it’s been and already so much has been done with so much more to do, “Gakyali Mabaga”.

The Rotary theme for next year is out so as we continue to engage Rotary, the light shines brightly at the end of the tunnel. Join us on March 1

st as we travel to Masuliita for

yet another day of service to the community .Have a blessed year and let’s bring those resolutions to life each day at a time, as we engage rotary and change lives.

Almost forgot!!!! Don’t forget to pay up for the DCA.

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Emmanuel Wanyama President, Country Projects Coordinator 2013-2014

Rotaract Club of Kampala West

Carol Muwonge

For her awesomeness since she joined us

Contributors:

Agaba Caroline

Emmanuel Wanyama

Gloria Karuru

Muhumuza Derrick

Arthur Tumusiime

We would love to hear from you

Email: rotaractkampalawest@gmail.com

#KlaWest

WE MEET: Thursdays, 6pm @Obligatto

President’s

Remarks

Rotaractor of the Month

And the winner is…

WESTERN TIMESWE MEAN ROTARACT | Issue6 3

Being out on the open, wide road is something that never gets old for me, especially if the place am heading to is somewhere further than I have been before, So when my friend, Habba Batamuliza, of the Rotaract club of Kigali city told me of an upcoming project to raise awareness about Diabetes, I saw this as not only my chance to finally make my maiden visit to a city that I had longed for to see but never quite got the opportunity but to also be part of a project outside of Uganda.

My journey begun at 6.30pm on a chilly Friday and after a long day of preparations, I was glad to finally take my seat on the bus and finally let the excitement sink in. after exchanging a few pleasantries with my neighbor, whom I believe was Asian, I tried to look around and see if there were any other Ugandans on board but to my surprise, most of the passengers were either Congolese or Rwandese so right there and then I knew making “small talk” with anyone else aside from my co passenger was going to be tricky but that didn’t kill the anticipation that was growing steadily as the bus moved closer and closer to our destination.

At about 1.00am, we reached the border post between Uganda and Rwanda, and after a bit of stretching, I noticed how organized the Rwandese border post was as compared to ours though I can’t say I was too surprised. We set off again and after another two hours of a bumpy ride, we were finally in Kigali city at 3.30 am at a place called Nyamugungu Bus Park were a got a glimpse of the outskirts of the city, fully light up under the night sky and I have to say it was quite the sight. My hosts, the president and the public relations director of the club, Shamie and Habba respectively, gratefully welcomed and picked me from the park and whisked me off to a place called Kimironko where I was going to reside during my stay there.

After a few hours of sleep, I dragged myself out of bed and met up with a few occupants of the house, who happened to be all ladies

and one young boy, and shared a light breakfast with them. To my surprise, I found out that they had all lived in Uganda at some point so speaking in Luganda was easy for them so I was able to speak freely with them with either English or Luganda. We were later on joined by Peter ‘King’ Oloo, who is the international service director of the club and together with Habba, we all set off for the venue for the project, which thankfully was just a stone throw away from where I was residing so the distance was walk able and I was brought up to speed on what was supposed to happen in terms of the car wash, which was meant to raise awareness about Diabetes and raise funds for a local health center which catered to diabetic patients.

On arrival, we found little activity going on, I guess it being a Saturday and all, people were in no hurry to get things moving but it gave me a chance to interact with the other members of the club and get a feel of what they think of rotaract in general. As we waited, yours truly was able to test for diabetes and to my relief, I found out I was a bit high on the sugar end but that was only because of the tea I had taken earlier and at 10pm, the car washing commenced were we were joined by one Rotarian and some members from two other rotaract clubs. As we got down to things, I realized that a good number of the members had at one time grown up or studied in Uganda so from time to time I could forget that I was actually in Kigali and not Kampala, which just made the experience all the more fun. As the time passed on, the fatigued from the road trip was still in me, so I decided to head back to the house to catch up on some sleep but I was told a big night was still ahead of me so I shouldn’t over sleep.

After the much needed sleep, at around 7pm, I caught up with the rest of the other members at a local hangout and I joined them for a hearty meal which was well deserved after such a hard day’s work. Once all the food was done, it was time for the real “fun” to start and sure enough members headed to the dance floor and broke out their hilarious dance moves.as the clock struck 11pm, the mood for more dancing had been heightened once the alcohol started to take effect so that meant relocating to a livelier place.

We barely had to move far when I was introduced to club 9, a new night club which had just been opened and it clearly showed from the new décor and once we were all settled in, we immediately took over the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning. Unfortunately for me, I had to

sober up quickly because I had an early bus leaving for Kampala at 8.30am which my kind hosts made sure I was on time for and after saying my goodbyes to them , I took my seat and quickly caught my breath and reflect quietly on my short stay in Kigali city.

A trip to Rwanda By Arthur a.k.a Artorious

WESTERN TIMESWE MEAN ROTARACT | Issue6 4

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The rotary theme this year is “Engage rotary, change Lives”. I had not realized how wholesome this theme is until my club’s recent visit to our twin club “Kampala West” in Uganda. It is easy to associate this theme to one avenue of service-Community Service. Only by actively engaging rotary does one realize its wholesomeness.

The trip start’s as all trips with family start (once you truly engage rotary, they become your other family); with half the troops running late, at least one member pulling a disappearing act just before departure (we are not saying it is Robert) and threats to the driver as to how you shall commandeer the bus if any of your members is left behind. You have got to love family.

With departure having been un-officially moved from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., we set off to the land of Waragi. 12 long hours later, we arrive in Kampala. We are given a warm welcome to the City by Timothy and Francis (now known as life guard-since family has to give knick names); who give us a mini-tour of the City as they take us to our Hotel. I will not delve into details on the Hotel, but I will say that the view is one of a kind.

Jump to 4:00 p.m., after we are rested from the long journey, and President Emmanuel (current holder of the All-Star title) picks us up for the boat ride. On arrival at the dock, there is a moment of self-motivation as certain members are convinced that water is their friend and boats are safe (it wasn’t Cindy); but soon we are all on board, destination: “nameless island”. The 30 minute trip is characterized with lots of laughter, a really nice cool breeze and an amazing sunset. At this point I should point out that the little part of Uganda I got to experience is very beautiful and a true testament to Africa’s natural scenic beauty.

We arrive at the Island just as another group of party people is arriving, and before long, the quiet Island is full of life. I get to eat a full fish, straight from the lake-if you are not a fish person, you really ought to try this- there is no after taste. Here we get to interact and dance (it would be Un-African not to) and before we know it, it is time to go back to the main land. The boat trip back is noisier and louder than the former one, which means that familiarity has bred and friendships have been born OR that people are slightly tipsy; either way, there is a general happy mood.

Once at the mainland, we set off to explore the Kampala night life as well as meet more members from our now expanded family. At the club, I finally get to meet Musa, Daphnee, Derrick, Ezra, William and the list goes on. In true rotaract spirit, within an hour, we are all crowded around one table, Ugandanizing (I can’t stop saying “Be a man”) and Kenyanizing (the Kenyan ladies represented) each other.

Forward to Sunday mid-morning, interesting hang overs and last day blues hanging in the air. The mood is brightened by lunch at Daphnee’s, where we get to say final goodbye’s to some members from Kampala West. President Emma, Daphnee and Bright see us off to the bus. There is a mini-photo session right outside the bus as Emma hands over there flag and Bright tries to take photos of the now happening eclipse. By 6 p.m. we are Kenyan bound.

As I sit on that bus and reminisce on the weekend, it finally hits me what actively engaging rotary is about. Yes it is about service above self, but it is also about exposing oneself to, and exchanging, different cultures (club service), adding to your social capital which translates to professional benefit and last but not least expanding your friendships beyond geographical borders and experiencing new places (international service) ; and there-in your life and the lives of those you have been engaging are changed.

TOAST TO THE PEARL OF AFRICA: To my new Ugandan Family, with love

By G.Karuru, Rotaract Westlands

WESTERN TIMESWE MEAN ROTARACT | Issue6 5

On the 7th of December 2014, Caroline Agaba and I represented the rotaract club of Kampala West at the introduction of Bright Onapito in Kyenjojo District.

We started our journey at 6.30am and got to our rendevous point (Toro Cottages) at about 10:00am.

There we ordered breakfast which in true African fashion took thirty minutes to be delivered.

While we were having breakfast, we were briefed by the groom’s spokesman about the dos and donts and what we were to expect once we arrived at the brides’ home.

At approximately 12:00pm, we set off for the bride’s home in the steep hills of Kaihura village in Kyenjojo District.

After 40 minutes on a bumpy murrum road, we arrived at the bride’s home.

We were warmly welcomed by beautiful bride’s maids and ushered to our tent.

After we took our seats, we were served with glasses of fresh milk in true Toro fashion.

Once we were comfortably settled in, the negotiations and haggling begun.

We presented our gifts and agreed the bride price with the bride’s family.

The bride was then presented and Bright went ahead and placed an engagement ring on her finger.

Food was served and the cake cut.

At about 7:00pm, we embarked on our journey back after a day well spent.

We now look forward to 22nd February 2014 to witness Bright and Diana tie the knot and begin the journey of holy matrimony.

All the best to the couple!

Derrick getting ready to represent at Bright’s introduction

Trip to Kyenjojo

By Derrick Muhumuza

Upcoming events

WESTERN TIMESWE MEAN ROTARACT | Issue6 6

A glimpse: 2013 in pictures

At the Rotaract sesse project

Bright and his lovely bride to be

Members at the polio immunization training

At the house warming/gift exchange party

Team spirit at the masulita project

The host and some guests at the hospitality

Our Kenyan guests being hosted to lunch

Our very own Daphnee (centre) joining rotary