Music, celebration, and recognition filled the air at Ndere Cultural Centre on Saturday evening as Rotary clubs across Uganda hosted the Unite for Women Concert, an event that honoured women in Rotary while marking the spirit of International Women’s Day.
Held on March 7, the concert brought together Rotarians, Rotaractors, and guests for an evening that blended appreciation, entertainment, and camaraderie. The event was organised in partnership with V&A Sherry, which joined the celebration in recognition of women’s contributions within the Rotary movement.
Part of the evening was dedicated to recognising individuals who have made a difference within Rotary’s community initiatives. Several Rotarians were honoured with awards, including the Young Change Makers Award and the National Champion Leadership Award, which acknowledged their impact across various districts.
Brownie Ebal from Rotary Club of Bugolobi, the winner of the Young Change Makers awards, noted that she was elated by the recognition.
“I am proud that Rotary recognized my efforts in pushing for education in our communities. The project that I started while pursuing my studies in Law school Kitabu Buk was aimed at buying textbooks for young people in schools in Northern Uganda,” she says.
Keeping the audience entertained throughout the night was MC Pablo Kimuli, whose lively hosting kept guests laughing between segments. Musical interludes were provided by DJ Guanz and the Ivuga Band, whose energetic renditions of popular hits quickly got the crowd on their feet.
Guests also enjoyed V&A Sherry throughout the evening, served both neat and as the cocktail-style Vangria.
According to Rochart Kaweesa, the brand manager for V&A, the partnership with Rotary to celebrate women was a natural fit.
“V&A Sherry is a brand that values women. It rewards those who reward themselves and is built on the spirit of women accepting and celebrating one another. Partnering with Rotary for the Unite for Women Concert allowed us to honour and celebrate women, especially the women in Rotary,” he said.
The highlight of the evening came when singer Vinka took to the stage, instantly shifting the energy inside Ndere. Guests rushed closer to the stage, phones raised as they captured the moment.
Performing some of her popular songs, including Thank God, Obe Wange, and Malaika, the singer delivered a lively set that had the crowd singing along and dancing late into the night.
By the time the music wound down, the Unite for Women Concert had achieved its purpose — bringing together women in Rotary and their supporters for an evening that celebrated achievement, community, and the joy of coming together.
Other awardees from the night include:
Rtn. Marion Natukunda from the Rotary Club of Kiwatule received the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award for leadership and inspiration.
Rtn. Deborah Komugisha Kakande from the Rotary Club of Nalumunye received the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award.
Rtn. Elizabeth Kalemera from the Rotary Club of Kasangati received the Community Social Impact Award.
Rtn. Jacqueline Ayuya Mukasa from the Rotary Club of Kampala received the Innovation and Impact Award.
Rtn. Christine Karya Atuheirwe from the Rotary Club of Ntinda Metro received the Rotary Woman Entrepreneur Award.
Rtn. Anne Ninyesiga from the Rotary Club of Bwebajja received the Leadership Award – Governor’s Choice.
Rtn. Joyce Sadoori from the Rotary Club of Upper Kololo received the Leadership Award – Governor’s Choice.
Rtr. William Atwooki from the Rotaract Club of Kaihura received the Male Champion Award.
Rtn. Moses Oteng from the Rotary Club of Nalumunye received the Male Champion Award.
Rtn. Francis Tusubira from the Rotary Club of Kampala North received the Male Champion Award.
Rtn. Rita Aciro Lakor from the Rotary Club of Kampala Naalya received the National Champion – Leadership Award.
