By Joseph Mary Buwule
KAMPALA – The Vice Chancellor of Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has been officially installed as President of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport, marking a notable expansion of his leadership role beyond academia into community service and civic engagement.
The installation ceremony, held in Kampala, was presided over by District Governor Geoffrey M. Kitakule, who formally handed over leadership to Prof. Nawangwe in the presence of senior Rotarians, club members, family, and invited guests.
In his acceptance remarks shared shortly after the ceremony, Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the young Rotary club, describing the appointment as both an honour and a renewed commitment to service.
“I am greatly honoured for the opportunity to serve as President of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport,” he said.
He paid tribute to the club’s Charter President, Prof. Sylvia Tamusuza, commending her dedication in nurturing the club since its formation and laying a strong foundation for its growth and service initiatives. He noted that her leadership had been instrumental in shaping the club’s identity and direction.
The Vice Chancellor also extended appreciation to his family, especially his wife Susan, for their support during the occasion, describing their presence as a source of encouragement at a significant personal milestone.
The event highlighted the club’s connection to the wider mission of Rotary International, which brings together professionals and leaders committed to advancing community development through service projects in health, education, and social welfare.
District Governor Kitakule, in his remarks, welcomed Prof. Nawangwe into Rotary leadership, praising his track record as an innovative academic leader at Makerere University and his broader contributions to institutional development and community transformation.
He noted that leadership within Rotary presents a unique challenge, as it relies on volunteers driven by service rather than obligation, expressing confidence that Prof. Nawangwe’s experience would strengthen the club’s impact.
Kitakule also emphasized the importance of Rotary’s guiding philosophy of “service above self,” urging members to remain committed to improving lives within their communities. He further acknowledged Makerere University’s role in advancing education, research, and innovation in Uganda and beyond.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on his long-standing relationship with Rotary, tracing his awareness of the organization back several decades. He described his installation as a moment of personal fulfillment, noting that earlier hesitations about formal membership had now given way to a deeper sense of belonging and commitment.
He also emphasized the importance of community-driven service, urging Rotarians to engage directly with communities to understand their needs before designing interventions.
“We have learned that we must go to the communities first and ask them what they need, then respond accordingly,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe further highlighted the significance of Makerere University hosting the Rotary Peace Centre in Africa, describing it as a milestone for the continent and a symbol of institutional pride.
As he assumes leadership of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport, Prof. Nawangwe is expected to guide the club in strengthening its service initiatives and expanding its community impact, while balancing his academic leadership responsibilities at Makerere University.
The installation adds a new dimension to his distinguished career in higher education, now complemented by formal leadership within the global Rotary movement dedicated to service, fellowship, and community transformation.