2,500 rotarians cause inflation in Mbarara

From April 27 to 30, Mbarara City was a beehive of activity. Rotarians from across East Africa and beyond had converged on the land of milk and honey to celebrate their joint district conference and assembly (DCA).

It is during this meeting that Rotarians and Rotaractors discuss and vote on important matters in their district. It is during the same meeting that new leadership is announced.

The three-day event held at Las Vegas hotel along Mbarara – Kasese highway drew approximately 2,500 guests. By Friday afternoon, most of the hotels that The Observer visited had been booked out.

At Silverback hotel, the receptionist said, “We are beyond full! The earliest day we can accept accommodation bookings is after May 1, 2023,” she said.

With most areas booked out, some guests were forced to reside in an approximately 6km radius from Las Vegas. Several delegates used Airbnb; most homes around Las Vegas charged between $40 and $120 a night.

Prominent among the delegates were Thomas Tayebwa, the deputy speaker of parliament, Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, and former state minister for health Sarah Opendi among others. Speaking during one of the sessions, Tayebwa announced an annual $20,000 contribution to the Rotary Foundation.

“My wife has allowed me to contribute $20,000 every year. This money shall help in supporting the good works of Rotary across the world.”

Of all the functions held, the governor’s dinner is always the most anticipated. This year’s joint dinner lived up to its billing. Away from the ceremonial transfer of leadership from one leader to another, delegates showed up in their Sunday best. This year’s theme was “black with a touch of purple.”

For District 9214, Prudence Asobola took over as the District Rotaract Representative (DRR) from Matovu Francis. Francisco Ssemwanga, 44, also took over as the District Governor for D9214, taking over from Peace Talemwa. Ssemwanga became the youngest Ugandan to rise to the role of district governor.

In District 9213, Emmanuel Lukeera took over as DRR from Sarah Owembabazi. Edward Kakembo took over as the District Governor for D9213 from Mike Sebalu. Performances from songstresses Irene Ntale and Azawi left the delegates on their toes.

Ntale served from her rich catalogue of Olindaba, Stamina Daddy, Sembera, and Nkubukinze, among others. Draped in hot pink, Azawi’s electrifying performance left the fairly youthful section of the guests yearning for more.

Off her African Music album, Azawi performed Bamutute, Craving You Heavy, Majje, Slow Dancing, and Fwafwa, among others. For an international event of such magnitude, Mbarara outdid itself in entertaining and hosting the delegates. Next year’s 99th DCA will be held at Speke Resort in Munyonyo.