By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: The upcoming Rotary District Conference 9213, set to take place from April 9 to April 13, 2025, in Jinja, has generated significant buzz among delegates, sponsors, and attendees. Conference Chair Henry Rugamba announced that 1,179 delegates will be attending this anticipated event, emphasizing that participation represents a meaningful investment rather than a mere invitation to a conference.
Rtn. Henry Rugamba.
Delegates will begin arriving in Jinja on the evening of April 9, with a focus on registration and getting acclimated to the surroundings. The Rotary Club of Kampala, Uganda’s oldest Rotary club, will host an opening cocktail event that same night, themed “Oldies Night,” encouraging attendees to dress in retro attire.
On April 10, delegates will gather at the Civil Service College for the opening day. Rugamba highlighted the significance of hosting the event at this institution, noting that it represents a groundbreaking collaboration between private and public sectors. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry will deliver a welcoming address to kick off the event.
Rtn. Henry Rugamba (3rd Left) with Some Sponsors at a Press Conference at Sheraton Hotel, K’la yesterday.
The keynote speaker for the day will be the internationally renowned “Green Sheikh,” Sheikh Abdul Aziz. Rugamba encouraged attendees to Google Sheikh Abdul Aziz, affirming that his presence sets a high standard for the conference’s agenda.
Following the opening addresses, delegates will travel to Kira Motors, located about 20 kilometers from Jinja on the Kamuli Road. This venue has gained notoriety through media attention relating to Kayoola buses and offers attendees a firsthand look at the operations of this prominent transportation company. Rugamba expressed confidence in the event’s potential to generate positive word-of-mouth about Kira Motors among guests.
Thursday evening will feature an exciting musical performance by Afriqo, ensuring that delegates can unwind after a day filled with thought-provoking discussions.
Ms. Beatrice Lugalambi from Centenary Bank Hands Over a Dummy Check of 100M to Rotary Team.
The events continue on Friday, when morning sessions will feature a panel discussion moderated by Robert Kabushenga, with esteemed speakers Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, Dr. Joyce Sonko, and Francis Kamulegeya. Topics will include wellness across various stages of life, from adolescence to retirement. After the morning discussions, the speakers will hold smaller clinic sessions to foster deeper engagement with delegates.
Additionally, Friday will feature the launch of the Cancer Run, marking a significant milestone as this event is traditionally associated with district conferences. Rugamba noted that this presents an opportunity for Centenary Bank to showcase its long-standing partnership with the Rotary community, as they are the primary sponsors of the Cancer Run.
As the conference wraps up on Saturday, notable events will include the installation of the new Rotaract leader, the announcement of the new governor-designate Geoffrey Kitakule, and the continuation of the Sam Owori Memorial Lecture. The lecture series has been a consistent feature at the conference, aimed at honoring the late president-elect of Rotary.
Saturday evening will culminate in the District Governor’s Mega Ball, a formal event featuring entertainment that promises to extend late into the night, unlike other evenings that wrap up by 10 p.m.
Rugamba concluded by highlighting the tremendous economic impact the conference has on Jinja. With nearly full accommodation across the city, the conference represents a significant boon for local businesses and exemplifies the necessity to hold events outside of Kampala and Entebbe to stimulate growth in other regions of Uganda.
The 17 sponsors for DISCON 100 include:
1. Centenary Bank
2. Uganda Breweries Ltd
3. Fireworks Advertising
4. Kiira Motors
5. Quality Chemicals
6. Roke Telecom
7. Bank of Uganda
8. Vaal Real Estates
9. Krystal Water
10 Parliament of Uganda
11. NCBA Bank
12. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
13. Uganda Airlines
14. Liberty Insurance
15. PSALMS Food Industries-SUMZ
16. UEGCL
17. Rosefoam
Ms. Beatrice Lugalambi, General Manager of Corporate Communications and Marketing at Centenary Bank, Uganda, emphasized the significance of the bank’s partnership with Rotary, stating, “This is a partnership of love, friendship, shared vision, and commitment”
Ms. Beatrice Lugalambi.
She highlighted the bank’s commitment to transforming lives at the grassroots level, making a difference in the lives of ordinary people.
Lugalambi outlined Centenary Bank’s four pillars: education, health, supporting the mission of the church in developing people and alleviating poverty, and environmental stewardship. She expressed pride in the bank’s role as a platinum sponsor, committing 100 million Uganda shillings to the partnership.
As a longstanding partner of Rotary, Centenary Bank has demonstrated its dedication to community development. Lugalambi noted, “We give gladly, but we also ensure that the communities grow with us, they thrive with us”.
The bank’s commitment to rightful causes that serve humanity and make a difference in Ugandan lives is evident in its consistent support for initiatives like the Rotary Cancer Run, to which they donated UGX 500 million in 2025.
Mr. Wafula Walter, the General Manager Fireworks Advertising (U) Ltd highlighted his company’s 17-year expertise as a 360 marketing communications company, expressing gratitude to clients like Centenary Bank. He emphasized their long-standing friendship with Rotary, supporting Discon for two years.
Mr. Wafula Walter.
His company’s contribution includes branding, creativity, and professional time, valued at 166 million. He stated, “Through communication, we’re able to impact people by mobilizing resources for a common cause” and shared his company’s purpose: “to move the world through ideas” that drive transformative change.
Ms. Comfort Ahumuza, the Corporate and Sustainability Coordinator at Harris International emphasized her company’s commitment to corporate sustainability and its long-standing partnership with Rotary. She highlighted their joint projects, including building schools and supporting the Rotary Cancer Run.
Ms. Comfort Ahumuza.
Ahumuza expressed her excitement about the upcoming Rotary Discon D9123, stating, “We’re happy to be back, with our partners, Centenary Bank.” Harris International’s contribution to this year’s Discon is 15 Million Shillings.
Mr. Brian Arinaitwe, the Head of Sales at VAAL emphasized the company’s commitment to creating value in communities through luxury property development and management. He highlighted VAAL’s alignment with Rotary’s core values, particularly service to others and empowering communities.
Mr. Brian Arinaitwe.
Arinaitwe expressed excitement about partnering with Rotary for the first time, stating, “We feel it is important to give back to all the communities that have supported us.” VAAL contributed $5,000 to support Rotary’s 100th district conference.
Mr. Anthony Tenywa the Commercial Manager at Roke Telecom affirmed his company’s commitment to supporting Rotary, stating, “We have programs aimed at enabling communities…,We support communities.” He highlighted Roke Telecom’s sponsorship of DISCON, providing Internet services and bags to delegates.
Tenywa noted the importance of technology in Rotary clubs, saying, “A Rotary Club that doesn’t utilize technology, then there’s a problem somewhere.” He expressed gratitude to organizers and cosponsors, underscoring the mutually beneficial partnership.
Ms. Noela Muteesi
Noela Mutesi from Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) reaffirmed their support: “We oversee major hydropower plants, including Karuma and Isimba, and we are committed to supporting causes that give back to humanity. We are happy to contribute 5 million shillings to this year’s conference.”
Ms. Shakila Rahim Lamar, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations at Uganda Airlines inked Uganda Airlines’ commitment to sustainability, citing the costly but necessary blending of fuel with 2% biofuel to fly to Europe.
Ms. Shakila Rahim Lamar.
She highlighted the airline’s partnership with Rotary, offering discounted rates and contributing 5,000,000 shillings.
Shakirah expressed her desire to become a lifetime Rotary member and announced an upcoming project with Rotary, seeking support to build a community service network.