By John Kusolo
Stephanie Urchick, the President of Rotary International, has arrived in Uganda for a week-long visit aimed at deepening Rotary’s impact and showcasing its contributions to the country. Her visit, which forms part of her African Magic Tour 2025, will see her engage with Uganda’s nearly 12,000 Rotarians and Rotaractors, political and cultural leaders, and the wider public. Uganda is one of five countries selected for this tour, underscoring Rotary’s transformative work on the African continent.
A significant highlight of President Urchick’s visit is her participation in the Peace Symposium and Capstone event at Makerere University on Friday, 10th January. Makerere University is home to Africa’s first Rotary Peace Centre, which trains change-makers committed to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and transformation. Since its establishment in February 2020, the Centre has become a beacon of hope for conflict resolution in Africa.
Later that evening, she will attend the Africa Peace Concert at Nsambya Gardens. Organized by Rotary Uganda in partnership with the Rotary Foundation, this vibrant hybrid music event seeks to raise $500,000 to sustain the Makerere Rotary Peace Centre. The concert aligns with Urchick’s overarching theme of “healing in a divided world,” which emphasizes Rotary’s peace-building efforts globally.
On Saturday, 11th January, Urchick will lead a Peace Walk from Makerere University. This walk will unite Rotarians, Rotaractors, and community members in promoting peace and unity in the region.
Fostering Leadership and Engagement
Urchick will actively engage Uganda’s youth through the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program at Kaazi camping grounds on Saturday evening. RYLA is a leadership development initiative designed to nurture future leaders and cultivate a spirit of service among young people.
Additionally, she will host a discussion titled, “A Journey of Rotary Membership: Inspiring Growth in Uganda”, aimed at promoting membership growth in Uganda. Rotary Club Presidents and District leaders will participate in this interactive session, highlighting strategies to strengthen Rotary’s presence and impact.
On Tuesday, 7th January, President Urchick will be the guest of honor at The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Recognition Dinner in Kampala. The event will celebrate major contributors to the foundation’s initiatives. Uganda has consistently ranked as one of Africa’s top contributors to TRF, raising nearly UGX 2.5 billion ($645,000) in the past year. This year, Rotary in Uganda aims to raise over $1 million, reinforcing its position as a leader in philanthropic giving.
President Urchick’s itinerary includes visits to Rotary’s flagship projects in Uganda. She will visit the Rotary Blood Bank at Mengo Hospital on Tuesday and the Rotary Cancer Centre at Nsambya Hospital on Wednesday, 8th January. The Cancer Centre, funded through initiatives such as the annual Rotary Cancer Run, has made significant strides in providing critical healthcare infrastructure, including a 36-bed ward and advanced diagnostic equipment.
Urchick will also launch the 2025 Rotary Cancer Run, which continues to raise awareness and funds for cancer treatment. On Wednesday, she will preside over the launch of the Rotary WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Institute at Nkumba University, an initiative designed to advance research and solutions in WASH challenges.
As part of her efforts to foster collaboration, Urchick will meet Uganda’s Prime Minister and the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda Kingdom. These engagements underscore Rotary’s commitment to working with political and cultural institutions to enhance its humanitarian impact.
President Urchick recognizes the pivotal role of young people in Rotary’s future. On Wednesday evening, she will meet with Rotaractors in Kampala, who play a crucial role in Rotary’s growth and innovation.
Uganda’s robust Rotary network comprises nearly 7,600 Rotarians and 4,300 Rotaractors across Districts 9213 and 9214. Rotary’s impact in Uganda spans vital sectors, including health, education, water and sanitation, economic development, and peacebuilding. Projects such as the Rotary Blood Bank, the Rotary Cancer Centre, and the Makerere Peace Centre are tangible examples of Rotary’s commitment to transforming lives.
About Stephanie Urchick
Stephanie Urchick is the second woman to serve as President of Rotary International. A Rotarian since 1991, she holds a doctorate in leadership studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her extensive service record includes building schools in Vietnam, mentoring Rotarians in Ukraine, and installing water filters in the Dominican Republic. Urchick is a visionary leader, having led the formulation of Rotary’s Action Plan, a strategic roadmap to create lasting positive change in an evolving world.
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