On Saturday, June 24, 2023, the new Rotary Club of Kigo Seven Lakes Golf celebrated its Charter Ceremony at an elegant event held at the prestigious lake-shore Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa Resort, in Kigo, Wakiso District, on the outskirts of the Kampala City.
With an impressive turnout, the event marked a significant milestone in the club’s history, as it officially chartered with 54 esteemed members.
The night was nothing short of extraordinary, as it attracted high-profile guests, including business captains, political leaders, diplomats, and traditional leaders; thanks to the new club President, Jimmy Mugerwa, a celebrated business leader, coach and Uganda Breweries Ltd board member.
Under their leading single malt whisky- Singleton brand, Uganda Breweries played a pivotal role in curating a luminous experience that lit up the mood throughout the six-hour event.
Guests were treated to various exclusive offerings that exemplified luxury and sophistication. The event was complete with intriguing Singleton pairing experiences and mentorships, where attendees delighted in the harmonious combination of exquisite chocolates and the smooth richness of Singleton whiskies.
Talented mixologists further enhanced the night’s allure, as they skillfully crafted bespoke cocktails that elevated the art of drink-making. From intricate creations to classic favourites, the expertly crafted beverages delighted guests with their exceptional flavours and presentation, leaving a lasting impression on their taste buds.
However, the highlight of the evening was the installation of Jimmy Mugerwa as the President of the newly chartered Rotary Club. Speaker after speaker highlighted Mugerwa’s selflessness, love for his community, hardworking nature, and most importantly; keeping true to his humble beginnings.
Emmanuel Katongole, the Executive Chairman, CIPLA QCIL, also Mugerwa’s childhood friend, emphasised Mugerwa’s love to impact his community positively, right from his younger days.
President Jimmy Mugerwa re-emphasised his humble but amazing life journey in his compelling speech. He reflected on his humble upbringing in Naguru, the opportunities, and meaningful relationships he has cultivated over the years and how these connections encouraged and shaped his decision to join Rotary, even though he initially held reservations.
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“My relationship with Rotary was not love at first sight, I had never dreamt about joining Rotary even when I had been requested to do so by many of my friends so I am surprised by myself that I can stand here and be a member and let alone president of this club. I want to thank my good friend and mentor Emmanuel Katongole, for relentlessly encouraging me to join Rotary. Every time he has travelled, he has told me about the amazing things that he was doing under Rotary. After enough encouragement, I promised my friends that I would not only be a good Rotarian, but I would also start a club, and here we are,” he said.
Others in attendance were billionaire businessman and Executive Chairman of Crown Beverages Limited, the franchise bottlers of Pepsi products in Uganda, Anne Juuko, the Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank and her husband, Owek. Apollo Makubuya. Sylvia Mulinge the MTN Chief Executive of MTN Uganda, Uganda’s largest telco and Mumba Kenneth Kalifungwa, the Managing Director of Absa Bank also attended. Kin Kariisa, the Chief Executive Officer of Next Media Group, and Grace Muliisa, the Ecobank Uganda Managing Director were also present.
Former Attorney General, Businessman and Principal Partner of Kasirye, Byaruhanga and Company Advocates, William Byaruhanga as well as Owekitiibwa Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, the 2nd Deputy Katikkiro (Prime Minister) and Minister of Finance of the Buganda Kingdom and District Rotary Governor Emeritus.
The Chief Guest, the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga, also Mugerwa’s childhood friend, cracked the gathering as he reminisced bits of Mugerwa’s youthful story as he emphasised that it is stories like Jimmy’s that Rotarians should use to inspire the younger generation of Rotarians
“The fraternity of Rotary is inspirational; you are inspirational because you are interested in the business of bringing smiles to human beings. I believe the most priceless thing to human beings is to smile, to be happy, to be appreciated, to be assisted, and to be given a hand and Rotary does that all the time. I request you to inspire young people not with your success or your achievements, but with the journey that brought you to the level where you are now, especially the young Rotarians,” he said
The evening was characterised by live entertainment by the talented Joseph Sax and the band, who captivated and entertained the guests throughout the event.
Leaders, members, and outstanding contributors (donors) to the new Serena Seven Lakes Rotary club were all pinned with badges, and they pledged to serve above self-including Uganda Breweries Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo, UBL’s Finance Director Eunice Waweru.
The two were congratulated by other UBL team members, including Emmy Hashakimana – Marketing & Innovation Director who also recently joined the Rotary Club of Kitante and Ben-Mbuvi the Commercial Director.
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