Rotary Club of Bulindo and District 9213 Set to Launch Groundbreaking Financial Literacy Programme

The Rotary Club of Bulindo, together with its mother Rotary District 9213, is gearing up for the official launch of Uganda’s first-ever Rotary Financial Literacy Programme—an ambitious, annual initiative aimed at empowering thousands of Ugandans with the knowledge and skills to manage money more effectively. The programme, which officially kicks off next month ahead of a wider rollout in October, is positioned as a cornerstone of Rotary’s economic empowerment mission and a pathway to broader social transformation.

“We are excited to launch this programme that aligns so well with Rotary’s areas of focus, especially economic empowerment,” said Percy Lubega, President of the Rotary Club of Bulindo. “But more importantly, we see financial literacy as a gateway to solving many of society’s biggest challenges—from health to environmental sustainability.”

The Financial Literacy Programme is targeting over 10,000 people in its first year, with plans to double that number in subsequent years as more Rotary Clubs and partners come on board. Participants will undergo training in essential money matters—from saving and budgeting to credit management and investment basics—with a focus on low-income individuals who are often excluded from Uganda’s formal financial ecosystem.

“Financial literacy isn’t only for the poor; it’s for everyone,” added Percy. “But our priority is to skill low-income people and get them ready to participate fully in the money economy.”

District Governor for Rotary District 9213, Rtn. Geoffrey Martin Kitakule echoed the enthusiasm, describing the initiative as “a game-changer as we shall be Uniting for Good with several partners”  for community transformation.

“When you financially empower communities, you ignite a chain reaction,” said Kitakule. “We expect this programme to significantly uplift livelihoods, reduce dependency, and foster a culture of entrepreneurship and responsible financial behaviour  hence transforming lives for generations. This is in line with our campaign that indeed Rotary Eyamba or Helps to transform lives and communities”

According to Uganda’s  National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023–2028, nearly 34% of Ugandans remain financially excluded, and many who have access to financial services do not use them optimally due to limited financial capability. This programme intends to close that gap.

“The government and banks are doing their part in extending credit,” said Percy. “But without financial discipline and proper money management skills, it’s like throwing seeds on rocky ground.”

Rotary’s entry into the financial literacy space also highlights a shift toward sustainable development models that prioritise capacity building. While many development programmes focus on direct aid or infrastructure, this one focuses on mindsets and behaviour—a long-term investment in human capital.

“Financially secure citizens are more likely to be healthier, less prone to conflict, and more responsible stewards of the environment,” noted Percy. “That’s the Rotary vision we’re pursuing.”

The launch event scheduled for next month is expected to bring together government representatives, financial institutions, NGOs, and the private sector—underscoring the programme’s collaborative, nationwide ambition. The curriculum will be implemented through community engagements, partner institutions, and digital platforms to ensure scalability.

With strong leadership, growing partnerships, and an ambitious vision, the Rotary Financial Literacy Programme is set to be a defining initiative, not just for the Rotary Club of Bulindo but for Uganda’s broader push toward financial inclusion and economic transformation.