Africa-Press – Uganda. The Vice President Jessica Alupo has commended Rotary for what she described as its “trusted and strategic partnership” in advancing Uganda’s national development priorities.
Speaking during the opening of the Rotary District 9213 101st conference in Entebbe on April 16, 2026, Alupo said Rotary’s interventions across education, health, environmental conservation, and economic empowerment are closely aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plans.
“As Government of Uganda, we want to commend Rotary for being a trusted and strategic partner in national development, complementing our efforts in delivering critical services,” she said.
She noted that Rotary’s impact was not only visible but “transformational,” citing its ability to mobilise resources and implement high-value community projects.
Alupo highlighted that more than $1 million had been raised for The Rotary Foundation within the Rotary year, enabling Global Grant projects valued at over $4.65 million to be implemented across various sectors.
She said this demonstrated Rotary’s efficiency in leveraging resources to support government priorities in healthcare, education, water and sanitation, and economic empowerment.
The Vice President commended flagship programmes such as Rotary Family Health Days, the Rotary Cancer Program, the Mama Toto Care initiative, and efforts to establish a Bone Marrow Transplant Centre at the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC).
“These significantly reduce the burden on public health systems while extending services closer to communities,” she said.
Alupo also acknowledged President Yoweri Museveni’s contribution of UGX 3 billion towards the Rotary Cancer Program, saying it reflects government recognition of Rotary’s role in strengthening national health interventions.
She emphasised maternal and child health as a priority area, noting persistent gaps in access to quality care in rural communities.
“As a nation, we cannot achieve sustainable development without safeguarding the lives of mothers and children,” she said, praising the Mama Toto Care initiative led by Rotarian John Magezi.
She added that the programme, currently being implemented in 14 districts, represents a scalable model for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Alupo also encouraged greater visibility of Rotary initiatives such as #RotaryEyamba, saying they help attract partnerships and expand impact.
Beyond health, she applauded Rotary’s contribution to peacebuilding and leadership development through the Rotary Peace Centre at Makerere University, saying it has positioned Uganda as a regional hub for conflict resolution training.
She further reaffirmed government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability to enable organisations like Rotary to thrive and deliver their mission.
Alupo, who is also a Rotarian, urged continued collaboration between government, the private sector, and development partners in mobilising resources for national development.
She also congratulated District Governor Rotarian Geoffrey Martin Kitakule for his leadership, as well as Rotarian Emmanuel Katongole on his appointment as a Director at Rotary International and Rotarian Francis Tusibira as Trustee of The Rotary Foundation.
The conference brought together Rotarians, Rotaractors, and partners to review the year’s achievements and chart future priorities under Rotary’s service agenda.
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