Bringing Rotary Learning Home: District 9214 (Uganda) Hosts First Rotary
Leadership Institute Session in Mbarara

 

For many years, Rotarians from the western part of District 9214 have travelled all the way to Kampala to attend Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) sessions. District Governor Christine Kawooya Kyeyune this Rotary Year has been very supportive of the Learning docket, and because of that, that long tradition changed on 1-2 November 2025, when the District Learning Team (Uganda), supported by Country Chair Rtn. Apollo Ampumwize, in collaboration with RLI, initiated and coordinated the first-ever upcountry RLI session in the district’s history.

 

The initiative was led by Rtn. Elizabeth Kintu, Country Learning Team Leader (Uganda), working alongside Rtn Andrew Muguluma, Chair - RLI Africa (Eastern Africa Lake Victoria Division), and Rtn. Eric Byenkya, Team Leader - RLI Uganda. Together, they brought a delegation of eight facilitators whose combined expertise, passion, and commitment filled Mbarara with the spirit of Rotary learning.

The two-day program featured nine core modules, each delivered by a different facilitator to ensure a dynamic blend of perspectives and engagement styles.
Topics included My Leadership in Rotary, My Rotary World, Ethics and Vocational Service, Foundation I: Our Foundation, Engaging Members, Creating Service Projects, Rotary Opportunities, Effective Leadership Strategies, and Attracting Members.

 

The 21(twenty-one) Participants from clubs across Mbarara, Masaka, Kabale, Kabarole, and Kasese brought infectious enthusiasm and curiosity to every session.
From storytelling to spirited group work, the cohort embraced the spirit of “learning through sharing.” End-of-session evaluations revealed deep appreciation for the interactive delivery and relatable, real-world examples.

 

“The enthusiasm in Mbarara proved that facilitation works - people learn best when they’re part of the discovery.”
- Rtn Andrew Muguluma, Chair - RLI Africa (EA Lake Victoria Division)

 

Facilitators included Rtn Andrew Muguluma, Rtn. Eric Byenkya, Rtn. Sarah Kaggwa, Rtn. Frank Othembi, Rtn. Walter Nyero, Rtn. S.K. Mugabi, Rtn Simon Peter Lubega, and Rtn. Elizabeth Kintu, each adding their distinctive experience and style, and ably supported by the ever-enthusiastic RLI Administrator, Rtn. Jacqueline Namutaawe, who ensured seamless logistics throughout the weekend.

The weekend underscored the power of collaboration between the District Learning Team, RLI, and the Country Office, demonstrating Rotary’s collective strength when knowledge meets passion.

 

 

This landmark session marks a new chapter for Rotary learning in Uganda. By decentralizing RLI and taking it closer to members, District 9214 is making leadership development accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.

The next RLI session is slated for 13-14 December 2025, when participants will complete their Undergraduate Course and receive their RLI Certificates, paving the way for enrolment into the Graduate Course.

 “It was inspiring and truly exciting to share Rotary knowledge and leadership skills with a team of dedicated and committed Rotarians in Mbarara over the weekend. It is deeply fulfilling to meet Rotarians who are willing to invest their time and resources in adding value to themselves, ultimately making their clubs stronger and more impactful. It was indeed a weekend well spent.”
- Rtn. Eric Byenkya, Team Leader - RLI Uganda

Special appreciation to District Governor Christine Kawooya for her leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing Rotary learning, and to Country Chair Rtn. Apollo Ampumwize for continuous support through the Country Office and to the RLI Team for their sacrifice, dedication, and for consistently using their own resources to support Learning across the country.”

 

District 9214’s first upcountry RLI Training proved one thing clearly, Rotary’s heartbeat doesn’t just echo in the capital; it beats strongly across every corner of Uganda.