By Eric Yiga
In a vibrant evening ceremony held in the Sonde garden setting, the Rotary Club of Sonde celebrated its Charter Night and officially installed Rtd. Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons David Sekabembe Nsalasatta as its 6th President. The event, attended by District Governor Gerald Obai of Rotary District 9213, past leaders, and a large contingent of president-elect, highlighted themes of growth, service, leadership continuity, and unwavering community commitment.
The occasion blended reflection, humor, and inspiration, with speakers recounting the club’s remarkable journey from its early days to its current status as an award-winning force for good in Sonde and surrounding areas.
District Governor Gerald Obai set a lively tone, sharing a humorous personal anecdote from a recent visit. While enjoying the club’s signature soup served in a cup but famously accompanied by generous pieces of chicken, a group of enthusiastic President-Elects (PEs) pulled him away for photos. Upon returning, his chicken had mysteriously disappeared.
“I was like, okay, now I’m paying for telling my presidents to be crazy,” DG Obai quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. He added philosophically that perhaps it was a gentle reminder to “eat healthy,” before urging the club to keep embracing bold, “crazy ideas” while never forgetting the little things that matter.
Obai praised Sonde’s transformation, noting that the name is now synonymous with growth and organization. “For those who have been here for a number of years you don’t talk about town. You don’t talk about a very organized community like it is now,” he said. He credited deliberate leadership and member commitment for this progress and challenged incoming President David to build on the momentum: “Refuse to remain where we are. We are moving forward.”
The Governor emphasized compassionate leadership, urging clubs to truly know their members. “A president without a club with committed members will only be a president by title,” he declared. “But a president with committed members will be a president leading a club that will make so many people happy that will have so many children going to school.”
Outgoing Charter President Catherine Barasa delivered a heartfelt address, describing her year at the helm as “adding another brick” to the continuing construction of the Rotary Club of Sonde. She acknowledged the hard, often unglamorous work behind successful projects comparing it to dusty, repetitive bricks that form the foundation of lasting structures.
Barasa highlighted key initiatives, including the Cerebral Palsy Project at St. Charles in Bukerere, which supports children and families affected by stigma and physical challenges. She invited Christine Edie, Chairperson of the project, and other dedicated members like Hadijat and Saudat to be recognized, noting the provision of custom wheelchairs, medical support, classrooms, and play areas.
The club also advanced environmental efforts through Mission Green in Luwero, maternal and child health in Bukerere, partnerships in the 7×7 collaboration, and upcoming specialized health camps with Rotaplast International for cleft conditions and burn scars. Economic empowerment initiatives, including the planned Sonde Economic Empowerment Facility, school support at Nyenga Secondary, and water, sanitation, and skilling programs were also cited.
“Members come first. They are the foundation of everything we can achieve,” Barasa said. She thanked Assistant Governor William Kaguma, partner clubs, corporate supporters like Faith High School and UMC Hospital, and pledged the continued support of past presidents to the new leadership.
Rtd. ACGP David Sekabembe Nsalasatta, a respected retired senior officer who served in high-level roles in the Uganda Prisons Service including Director of Production and Engineering and Director of Rehabilitation Services accepted the mantle with humility and determination. He credited Charter President Kate’s persuasive energy for drawing him into Rotary and thanked his family and club members for their support.
President David acknowledged the “big shoes” left by predecessors but expressed confidence with his board and members behind him. He outlined priorities for the coming year: continuing maternal and child health, cerebral palsy support, education, water and sanitation, peace initiatives, and introducing road safety elements.
“We intend to work with the community for impactful service… We shall try to be crazy. We shall try in all our programs. Big programs only, but we shall also do the small ones,” he affirmed.
He expressed gratitude to the large turnout of fellow President Elects, calling it an honor, and specifically thanked DG Gerald Obai for gracing the event despite a busy schedule.
The Rotary Club of Sonde, chartered several years ago, has grown rapidly under successive leaders, earning multiple awards for its service projects. The installation ceremony underscored the club’s strong foundation, vibrant membership, and readiness to tackle bigger challenges in the coming Rotary year.
As the evening concluded with toasts and celebrations, the message was clear: through unity, compassion, disciplined execution, and bold ideas, the Rotary Club of Sonde aims not only to maintain its momentum but to elevate its impact in the communities it serves.
The new leadership, backed by committed members and district support, is poised to write the next inspiring chapter in Sonde’s Rotary story.
