At the District and Country Retreat, District 9214's leaders stepped back from the work to ask an honest question: how are we doing?
For three months, District 9214's leaders had been in constant motion. Launches, caravans, drives, trainings and visits had filled the calendar since 1 July. On Saturday 3 October 2026, they did something different. They stopped.
The District and Country Retreat brought together District and country leaders from across Uganda and Tanzania for a full day away from the usual meetings. The goal was simple: look back honestly, look ahead clearly, and return to the work stronger.
Arrive and connect
The day begins gently. Leaders arrive from 8:00 a.m. to a warm welcome and a cup of tea, then settle into breakfast and easy conversation. For some, it is the first time they have sat at the same table since the year began.
An icebreaker game soon has the room laughing as leaders introduce themselves in new ways. Titles fade, and colleagues become friends again. By the time the welcome remarks begin, the mood is relaxed and open.
The Governor sets the tone
District Governor Daniel Mukasa Ddamulira then takes the floor for a 30-minute address. He thanks the team for the energy they have carried through the first quarter and reminds them why the retreat matters. A District that wants to grow, he says in essence, must also be willing to pause and reflect.
Where we are
The State of the District follows. Over 40 minutes, leaders see the year so far laid out in figures and stories: membership, giving, service and the major events of the season. A 20-minute question and answer session gives everyone the chance to probe, challenge and clarify.
After an energiser break with the traditional game of Mente to lift the room, the day reaches its most important hour: the Eyes and Ears Session.
How are we doing?
Here, the questions turn personal. Each leader looks at what they committed to in their workplan and what they have actually delivered. Where are we on track? Where have we fallen short? What must change before December?
The conversation is honest, and that is the point. Leaders share what has worked, name what has not and listen to feedback from their peers. No one leaves the session without a clear sense of what to improve in the months ahead.
Building the team
After lunch and a group photo, the afternoon turns to team building. Through shared challenges and activities, leaders practise the very things the District asks of its clubs: trust, collaboration and working as one.
Closing reflections at 4:30 p.m. draw the threads together. Leaders share one lesson they will carry home and one commitment they will keep. The words are short, but they carry weight.
Fellowship at sundown
As the sun goes down, the formal programme gives way to fellowship. A sundowner and open mic close the day with music, stories and laughter. Leaders who arrived tired now leave refreshed, connected and ready.
Ready for the road ahead
The retreat was not a celebration of the first quarter. It was a check on it. By pausing to reflect, District 9214's leaders have given themselves the clarity to finish the year as strongly as they started it.
The next chapter begins now.
Each One Engage for Impact.