Dr Anthony Wamala, the Buganda kingdom minister for Culture, Palaces, Tombs, Tourism and Security, says Rotary and Rotaract clubs ought to shift from “insider” language to a message of shared values and community benefit.
He said this on September 14 at Nican Resort, Seguku during the Sunday Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of District 9214, led by the Rotary Club of Seguku, together with those of Katende, Maya, Muyenga Sunday Sunset, Akright City, and Rotaract Clubs of Bwerenga, Namasuba, and Muyenga Bukasa.
Dr Wamala shared his Rotary journey, noting how he found the language barrier in early meetings a challenge and boring, which inspired him to charter the Rotary Club Ye Bulange, where fellowship is conducted in Luganda.
He emphasized the importance of inclusivity, cultural identity, and using language as a bridge rather than a barrier in building stronger Rotary communities. He also cautioned against the dangers of revenge, narrating a short story that deeply resonated with attendees.
“I believe Rotarians need to move from ‘what we are’ to ‘what we do’ and why it matters to whom you are addressing. You should know that non-Rotarians don’t initially care about the structure of Rotary International, or what a ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ is. They care about making a difference, connecting with their community and solving problems,” he said.
“So, we should shift from a service club with a classification principle to a group of local people who get together to tackle the biggest challenges in our community and around the world, like making sure children can read and families have clean water.”
The fellowship also provided a platform for networking, cultural exchange and strengthening bonds across clubs, under the theme “Service Above Self: Building Fellowship through Action and Impact.”
A special highlight of the evening was the cake-cutting ceremony for all August and September babies, adding a joyful and celebratory touch to the gathering.
Event host Edmond Safali, also the president Rotary Club of Seguku, said, the event underlined Rotary’s impact in uniting people across professions, cultures and communities to advance service and leadership while fostering strong bonds of friendship.
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