The Rotary Club of Sonde marked a milestone evening with its Charter Night celebrations held in a vibrant garden setting in Sonde, where members, partners, and guests gathered to reflect on the club’s journey and usher in new leadership.
The highlight of the event was the official installation of Rtd. Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons David Sekabembe Nsalasatta as the club’s 6th President. The ceremony, attended by the District Governor of Rotary District 9213 Gerald Obai, incoming presidents, past leaders, and a wide network of Rotarians, emphasized continuity, service, and community impact.
Throughout the evening, speakers traced the club’s steady rise from its formative years to what they described as an award-winning and fast-growing centre of service within Sonde and surrounding communities.
District Governor Gerald Obai set a lively tone for the night, blending humor with reflection as he recounted a light-hearted incident during a recent club visit. He joked about being momentarily distracted during a meal of the club’s signature soup served in cups—only to return and find that the chicken accompanying his meal had mysteriously disappeared.
“I was like, okay, now I’m paying for telling my presidents to be crazy,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience, before adding that the experience may have been a reminder to “eat healthy.” He encouraged members to continue embracing bold ideas while maintaining attention to small but important details.
Beyond the humor, Obai commended the transformation of Sonde, noting that the area had become a model of organized community growth. He challenged the incoming leadership to build on the momentum, urging them not to settle but to “keep moving forward.” He also stressed the importance of strong membership engagement, noting that effective leadership depends on committed members who actively participate in service projects that transform communities.
Outgoing Charter President Catherine Barasa delivered an emotional address reflecting on her tenure, describing it as a process of steadily “building bricks” toward a stronger institution. She acknowledged that meaningful service often involves unseen and demanding work that ultimately forms the foundation of lasting impact.
Barasa highlighted several key initiatives undertaken during her leadership, including support for children with cerebral palsy at St. Charles Bukerere, where the club has facilitated mobility aids, learning spaces, and medical support services. She also pointed to environmental efforts under the Mission Green initiative in Luwero, maternal and child health programs, and collaborations under the 7×7 partnership framework.
Other interventions included planned health camps in partnership with Rotaplast International focusing on cleft conditions and burn care, as well as education and empowerment projects such as support to Nyenga Secondary School, water and sanitation programs, and vocational skilling initiatives. She also referenced plans for an economic empowerment facility aimed at improving livelihoods within Sonde.
She credited partner institutions, corporate supporters, and past presidents for sustaining the club’s momentum and reaffirmed continued support for the incoming leadership.
In his acceptance speech, President-elect Nsalasatta said he was humbled to take on the role, crediting the persuasive encouragement of club members for drawing him into Rotary service. Drawing from his background in the Uganda Prisons Service, where he served in senior leadership roles including rehabilitation and production services, he pledged to apply discipline and teamwork in advancing the club’s mission.
He acknowledged the strong foundation laid by his predecessors but assured members that the new board would focus on strengthening existing programmes while expanding into new areas such as road safety advocacy, alongside continued work in health, education, water and sanitation, and peacebuilding.
“We intend to work with the community for impactful service,” he said, adding that the club would continue to balance large-scale projects with smaller community interventions that directly touch lives.
He also expressed appreciation to visiting President-Elects and thanked District Governor Obai for attending despite a busy schedule.
The Rotary Club of Sonde, part of Rotary International, has grown significantly in recent years, earning recognition for its expanding portfolio of community projects and strong member engagement.
As the evening concluded with celebrations and fellowship, speakers echoed a shared message of unity, service, and ambition. The club’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to deepening impact across health, education, environment, and livelihoods, signaling a continued drive to strengthen communities in the coming Rotary year.
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