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Western Times, Issue 6-January 2014
Western Times, Issue 6-January 2014
Issue 6
Western Times
we mean rotaract
Januray 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
Editors Note
Wow! 2014 is here! I still catch myself writing dates ending with /2013. 2013 ended with a bang and the awesome news of our Editor Bright Onapito getting married next month. Which explains why Im standing in for him, his hands are happily full with sealing the deal for his Mrs. In this issue we have tales about twin clubs and potential twin clubs and a glimpse into the lovely day that was Brights intro to his lovely wife to be Diana. And to sum it all up, we have 2013 in pictures! Enjoy PS: this is the Rotary awareness month so be sure to get your Rotaract on!
A trip to Rwanda
A search for cross border relations Page 3
2013 in pictures
Page 6
Presidents Remarks
#KlaWest
WE MEET:
Contributors: Agaba Caroline Emmanuel Wanyama Gloria Karuru Muhumuza Derrick Arthur Tumusiime
Carol Muwonge
A trip to Rwanda
By
Being out on the open, wide road is something that never gets old for me, especially if the place am heading to is somewhere further than I have been before, So when my friend, Habba Batamuliza, of the Rotaract club of Kigali city told me of an upcoming project to raise awareness about Diabetes, I saw this as not only my chance to finally make my maiden visit to a city that I had longed for to see but never quite got the opportunity but to also be part of a project outside of Uganda. My journey begun at 6.30pm on a chilly Friday and after a long day of preparations, I was glad to finally take my seat on the bus and finally let the excitement sink in. after exchanging a few pleasantries with my neighbor, whom I believe was Asian, I tried to look around and see if there were any other Ugandans on board but to my surprise, most of the passengers were either Congolese or Rwandese so right there and then I knew making small talk with anyone else aside from my co passenger was going to be tricky but that didnt kill the anticipation that was growing steadily as the bus moved closer and closer to our destination. At about 1.00am, we reached the border post between Uganda and Rwanda, and after a bit of stretching, I noticed how organized the Rwandese border post was as compared to ours though I cant say I was too surprised. We set off again and after another two hours of a bumpy ride, we were finally in Kigali city at 3.30 am at a place called Nyamugungu Bus Park were a got a glimpse of the outskirts of the city, fully light up under the night sky and I have to say it was quite the sight. My hosts, the president and the public relations director of the club, Shamie and Habba respectively, gratefully welcomed and picked me from the park and whisked me off to a place called Kimironko where I was going to reside during my stay there. After a few hours of sleep, I dragged myself out of bed and met up with a few occupants of the house, who happened to be all ladies
The rotary theme this year is Engage rotary, change Lives. I had not realized how wholesome this theme is until my clubs recent visit to our twin club Kampala West in Uganda. It is easy to associate this theme to one avenue of service-Community Service. Only by actively engaging rotary does one realize its wholesomeness. The trip starts as all trips with family start (once you truly engage rotary, they become your other family); with half the troops running late, at least one member pulling a disappearing act just before departure (we are not saying it is Robert) and threats to the driver as to how you shall commandeer the bus if any of your members is left behind. You have got to love family. With departure having been un-officially moved from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., we set off to the land of Waragi. 12 long hours later, we arrive in Kampala. We are given a warm welcome to the City by Timothy and Francis (now known as life guard-since family has to give knick names); who give us a mini-tour of the City as they take us to our Hotel. I will not delve into details on the Hotel, but I will say that the view is one of a kind. Jump to 4:00 p.m., after we are rested from the long journey, and President Emmanuel (current holder of the All-Star title) picks us up for the boat ride. On arrival at the dock, there is a moment of self-motivation as certain members are convinced that water is their friend and boats are safe (it wasnt Cindy); but soon we are all on board, destination: nameless island. The 30 minute trip is characterized with lots of laughter, a really nice cool breeze and an amazing sunset. At this point I should point out that the little part of Uganda I got to experience is very beautiful and a true testament to Africas natural scenic beauty.
Trip to Kyenjojo
By Derrick Muhumuza
Upcoming events
On the 7th of December 2014, Caroline Agaba and I represented the rotaract club of Kampala West at the introduction of Bright Onapito in Kyenjojo District. We started our journey at 6.30am and got to our rendevous point (Toro Cottages) at about 10:00am. There we ordered breakfast which in true African fashion took thirty minutes to be delivered. While we were having breakfast, we were briefed by the grooms spokesman about the dos and donts and what we were to expect once we arrived at the brides home. At approximately 12:00pm, we set off for the brides home in the steep hills of Kaihura village in Kyenjojo District. After 40 minutes on a bumpy murrum road, we arrived at the brides home. We were warmly welcomed by beautiful brides maids and ushered to our tent. After we took our seats, we were served with glasses of fresh milk in true Toro fashion. Once we were comfortably settled in, the negotiations and haggling begun. We presented our gifts and agreed the bride price with the brides family. The bride was then presented and Bright went ahead and placed an engagement ring on her finger. Food was served and the cake cut. At about 7:00pm, we embarked on our journey back after a day well spent.
Derrick getting ready to represent at Brights introduction
At the house warming/gift exchange party Our very own Daphnee (centre) joining rotary