Rotary Uganda has secured 17 sponsors for its highly anticipated Rotary District Conference (DISCON 100), set for April 9-12, 2025, at the Civil Service College in Jinja.
The conference celebrates 100 years of Rotary’s service in Uganda, bringing together Rotarians, partners, and stakeholders to mark a century of community transformation.
The conference will conclude with the installation of the new Rotary District Governor, Geoffrey Tagore, and the unveiling of the next Rotary conference. A key highlight will be the Sam Owori Memorial Lecture, honouring the late Rotary International President-elect.
A Celebration of Service and Collaboration
Rotary District Governor Anne Nkutu expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, emphasizing the power of partnership.
“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their generosity in making DISCON 100 a reality. Their commitment to Rotary’s mission highlights the power of partnership in driving sustainable progress. This conference is more than a gathering of Rotarians—it is a celebration of service, leadership, and giving back to society.”
Leadership, Innovation, and Community Impact
The four-day conference will feature keynote addresses from influential leaders, leadership panels and industry insights, and community outreach initiatives, including health camps in Jinja, Kamuli, and Iganga and the House of Friendship, an entrepreneurial hub for businesses.
Chairperson of the Conference Organizing Committee, Henry Rugamba, noted: “This is a historic moment for Rotary Uganda. With our sponsors’ support, we aim to create an impactful and memorable event that showcases Rotary’s contributions to Uganda over the past century.”
The conference will feature renowned speakers, including Sheikh Abdul Aziz, an advocate for environmental sustainability. Delegates will visit Kiira Motors to witness Uganda’s advancements in electric vehicle manufacturing.
“Many have heard about the Kiira Motors project in the media, but this will be an opportunity for over 1,000 delegates to see the progress firsthand and become ambassadors of this innovation,” Rugamba added.
Cultural Celebrations, Networking, and Entertainment
Beyond discussions, DISCON 100 will feature a nostalgic Oldies Night hosted by the Rotary Club of Kampala, a special performance by the legendary Afrigo Band and a Golf Tournament at Jinja Golf Club for networking and recreation.
For the first time, a Rotary district conference will officially launch the annual Cancer Run, a flagship health initiative raising funds for cancer treatment in Uganda.
With nearly all accommodations in Jinja fully booked, the conference is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the town.
Investing in Community Development
The conference has drawn strong corporate backing Centenary Bank committed UGX 100 million as a Platinum Sponsor, Brainchild BCW is investing UGX 166 million in branding and mobilization, Harris International contributed UGX 15 million, VAAL Real Estates pledged $5,000, Roke Telkom is providing internet access and conference materials, Uganda Airlines is offering discounted travel rates and UGX 5 million in sponsorship and Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) pledged UGX 5 million in support of humanitarian efforts.
Beatrice Lugalambi, General Manager of Corporate Communications and Marketing at Centenary Bank, emphasized the bank’s long-standing partnership with Rotary.
“For the last 15 years, every year that we wake up, we ask ourselves what difference we are making. With partners like Rotary, we are happy to stand on our four pillars: education, financial literacy, health, and environmental stewardship. Centenary Bank has committed 100 million Uganda shillings as a platinum sponsor.”
Walter Wafula, General Manager of Brainchild BCW, a division of Fireworks Advertising, shared: “As a 360-degree marketing communications company, we have supported Rotary through Centenary Bank for 12 years, including sponsoring DISCON for two years now and supporting the African Peace Conference. This year, we are contributing 166 million shillings in branding, professional time, and creativity.”
Comfort Ahumuza from Harris International highlighted their corporate sustainability initiatives: “We have been working with Rotary for several years, building schools and supporting the Rotary Cancer Run. This year, we are contributing 15 million shillings to DISCON 100.”
Anthony Tenywa, Commercial Manager at Roke Telkom, reiterated: “We believe technology is crucial for Rotary’s mission. That’s why we are providing internet access and conference bags to ensure delegates stay connected and engaged.”
Shakila Rahim, Head of Corporate Affairs at Uganda Airlines, emphasized: “We have been partnering with Rotary on several initiatives. This year, we are contributing 5 million shillings and offering discounted travel rates for attendees.”
Noela Muteesi from Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) reaffirmed their support: “We oversee major hydropower plants, including Karuma and Isimba, and we are committed to supporting causes that give back to humanity. We are happy to contribute 5 million shillings to this year’s conference.”
Other notable sponsors include Uganda Breweries Ltd, Kiira Motors and Bank of Uganda. The lineup includes financial institutions, real estate firms, telecom companies, and manufacturers committed to ensuring the success of this historic gathering.
