By Kabuye Ronald
Rotary Club Mengo marked a significant milestone in environmental conservation and community engagement on Friday with the launch of their tree planting activities. The initiative commemorates 100 years of Rotary Club existence in Africa and aims to foster a sustainable future by enhancing green spaces.
The tree planting ceremony took place at the Lubaga Cathedral Multipurpose playground and was inaugurated by Rotarian Owekitibwa Nelson Kawalya, former Buganda Kingdom Lukiiko Speaker and past district president. In his address, Owek. Kawalya underscored the critical importance of preserving the environment amidst global challenges like desertification. He emphasized the urgent need for tree planting to improve climate resilience and soil conservation.
Furthermore, Owek. Kawalya urged governmental action to address the widespread use of firewood and charcoal for cooking, which contributes significantly to environmental degradation.
Acknowledging the Catholic Church’s support in allowing the tree planting on their grounds, Owek. Kawalya called for public participation in Rotary clubs, praising their commitment to inclusivity and community service.
Highlighting inclusivity, Owek. Kawalya commended children with Spina bifida and Hydrocephalus who attended the event, emphasizing their potential to contribute positively to society despite their disabilities.
Rotarian Pafrah Mulambuzi, President of Rotary Club Mengo, articulated that the tree planting initiative seeks to leave a lasting legacy in celebration of Rotary’s impactful history. He referenced Rotary’s success in eradicating polio in Africa and urged widespread participation in environmental conservation efforts.
Father Achilles Mayanja Ssali, the Administrator of Lubaga Cathedral, echoed Pope Francis’s call to safeguard the environment in his remarks. He praised Rotary for their selfless service, inclusivity and advocated for collaboration between Rotary and the Catholic Church to combat corruption, which he described as a threat to societal well-being.
“We are living in the world were people have become very selfish but when we get clubs like rotary club which are ready to promote scarce values that help each and every person we should be proud of them and keep encouraging them. Everybody is fighting, quarreling, environment is destroyed and others are corrupt so we really need to promote the good values.” Said Father Achilles.
Father Achilles also urged Rotary club to join hands with the Catholic Church to fight corruption because it destroys the great work of rotary club, catholic and the country hence making it a cancer that is eating up the nation.
Following the tree planting ceremony, Rotary Club Mengo engaged with the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association Uganda (SHAU) at their home in Rubaga. Led by Rotarian Ruth Nalugya, discussions focused on raising awareness, improving nutrition, and supporting children with these conditions and their caregivers.
Rotarians expressed their commitment to ongoing support for SHAU’s initiatives, highlighting the joyous interaction with the children and caregivers as a meaningful part of their community outreach.
The event concluded with a pledge to continue promoting environmental stewardship and inclusive community service, aligning with Rotary’s enduring motto of “Service Above Self.”
