The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has praised Rotary International for its unwavering dedication to uplifting underprivileged and marginalized communities through selfless service and socio-economic development initiatives.
Speaking on Thursday evening during a thanksgiving fellowship and the official inauguration of the new leadership of the Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala, Archbishop Kaziimba lauded the spirit of unity and devotion within Rotary, embodied in its guiding principle of “Service Above Self.”
“There is no testimony of someone who became poor by giving to those in need,” Archbishop Kaziimba said. “Like Winston Churchill once noted, ‘No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.’ We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
He emphasized that the Christian call to serve others is deeply rooted in acts of charity and compassion, which reflect the presence of Christ.
“The only way to see Jesus is by helping the poor, the rejected, the misplaced, the hungry and those in need,” he said. Quoting Psalm 103, he reminded the gathering to always praise the Lord and never forget His benefits.
The event also marked the start of the new Rotary year, with Rotarian Deborah Itwau assuming office as the new President of the Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands, succeeding Rotarian Moses Ssebugwawo.
Canon Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, University Secretary of Ndejje University and former Chairperson of the Church of Uganda Heads of Education Institutions Association (COUHEIA), underscored the spiritual foundation of their service in Rotary.
“Our projects are not just community interventions, they are expressions of Jesus Christ’s compassion through service,” Canon Dr. Kahigiriza noted. “My call to fellow Rotarians and stakeholders is to remain steadfast in transforming lives and being agents of hope in society.”
