Africa-Press – Uganda. The Lions Club of Ntungamo has cemented its place as Uganda’s largest—and most vibrant—Lions Club following a landmark leadership transition ceremony held in Ntungamo District.
With a record-breaking 225 members, the club is also now the biggest on the African continent, according to Lion Benon Katate, the District Governor of Lions Clubs International, District 411B (Uganda).
The event marked the official handover of leadership from outgoing president Lion Ada Kabarungi to incoming president Lion Namanya Joshua, who previously served as First Vice President.
The handover, held in high spirits, reflected both pride in past achievements and optimism for an even more ambitious future.
“This club had 119 Lions when I was installed as president on 15th June 2024. I leave it with 221—105 of whom joined during my tenure. I personally sponsored 29 of them,” Ada Kabarungi said, highlighting a transformative term.
“This club has stood for 12 years, and I was its first female leader.”
Kabarungi’s tenure saw the club charter a Leo Club in Kibaasi, construct public passenger shades, and make significant contributions to regional eye care.
She credited her board and members for their unwavering support, saying their commitment laid the groundwork for continued success.
Stepping into his new role, Lion Joshua Namanya described his presidency as both an honour and a responsibility.
“I’ve been handed the biggest club in Uganda and Africa,” he said.
“With God, I will manage. I want to lead our communities to greater success.”
Namanya outlined a bold agenda for his term—one focused on deepening community impact, expanding membership, and empowering young people.
Among the club’s goals are strengthening the Lions South Ankole Mission Comprehensive Eye Care Project, addressing youth challenges, chartering two more Lions Clubs in Ntungamo and one in Rwampara, and acquiring land to build a permanent home for the club.
He also emphasized unity, leadership development, and inclusivity, pledging to train members, reconnect with former Lions, and build strong ties across District 411B.
The new leadership team includes Conrad Nkamwesiga as First Vice President, Ezra Kweziga Mukama as Second Vice President, and Banex as Third Vice President.
Together, they will spearhead the club’s commitment to “Mission 1.5”—a strategic global Lions campaign aimed at retaining, growing, and energizing membership.
Presiding over the event, District Governor Lion Benon Katate praised Ntungamo Lions Club as a beacon of grassroots service.
“Out of 62 clubs and 2,370 members across Uganda, Ntungamo stands out as the largest. It is a very vibrant club, with excellent leaders,” he said.
Katate also reinforced the core mission of the Lions movement: local people solving local problems through volunteerism.
He commended the Ntungamo club’s work in tree planting, eye health, diabetes awareness, youth services, and disaster relief, saying their initiatives reflect Lions International’s global objectives.
The club’s chartering of a Leo Club, which mentors youth aged 13–18 in community service, was particularly praised as a key tool in combating youth delinquency.
“These youth serve for no material reward,” Katate noted. “They grow into responsible citizens by serving their families, schools, and communities.”
The event concluded with a traditional “Lions Roar” led by Namanya—a powerful symbol of renewed strength, unity, and purpose.
The crowd responded in jubilant fashion: “Lions we care, we serve, and we leave a mark.”
Lions from across Uganda joined in the celebrations, including delegations from Mbarara Central, Entebbe, Rubirizi, Bushenyi, Kisoro, Kabale, Kampala, Rukungiri, Buhweju, Ibanda, Isingiro, Kamwenge, Sheema, and Kanungu.
With a record membership and fresh leadership, the Lions Club of Ntungamo is charting a new chapter rooted in service, solidarity, and community transformation.
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