The Rwenzori Ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel was wall to wall with high powered women and even men all dressed in white as dictated by the dress code.
For an event in its second year running, this was a great turn up. And the enthusiasm to help others told.
Women leaders shared their experiences of leadership calling upon others to take the chance given at them to do good. This message was delivered by leaders at the annual Women in Rotary event.
“Whatever experience you go through, it should make you stronger, learn more about it and help others,” said Dr Noerine Kaleeba, the founder of Taso and former UNAIDS director. Dr Kaleeba lost her husband to HIV/AIDS many years ago when AIDS was in its infancy in Uganda.
Lydia Bujara, a double cancer survivor and former chair of the Rotary Cancer Run urged everyone to go for screening and those with girls of 9 or 10 years take them for cervical cancer immunisation. “I decided that I will champion the cancer fight and together we can change the world,” she said.
Three women who have contributed USD10,000 or more to Rotary were recognised. These are Jane Kabugo, Petwa Rwomoshoro, and Susan Matovu. Dr Margaret Mungherera who passed away early this year and had agreed to speak at the event was posthumously awarded. The awards were handed over by Ken Mugisha, the District Governor Elect for Uganda and Tanzania.
Through such donations, Rotary has been able to build a cancer centre at Nsambya Hospital, a Blood Bank at Mengo Hospital and a Rotary Hospital in Mukono.
The Rotary Club of Kampala Naalya is building a computer lab in Akwang Hill Secondary School in Agago District. This is where the proceeds from this year’s Women in Rotary event will ago.
