YES, WE DID IT AGAIN!!

Welcome back my "favourite bunch", the untiring Lions! If i was good at forming theories i would have by now formulated a theory based on the "satisfaction derived from serving a lesser fortunate being than you", but as for now, i can only tell you that it's amazingly satisfying.

Don't know what i am talking about yet! relax! 

The days 27th February to 1st March 2009 will remain memorable in the lives of both the people of Isingiro and the untiring lions who serve without reservations. The Medical camp begun with a visit to Ngarama Secondary school and Ngarama girls' Secondary school where sanitary pads were distributed to over 300 girls in both schools.

In the Photo above, Lion Mercy talks to girls of Ngarama Secondary school as lions look on.

It's Saturday morning of the 28th of February and the crowd has already gathered even when the medical team hasn't fully prepared! Your guess is as good as mine.............., people suffer silently and are in great need of help. As the team assembles there mobile laboratories and clinics, the ques outside are uncontrollable because everyone wants to be attended to. People have come to seek attention for different ailments; malaria, HIV testing, coughs, gynaecological problems, pregnancy tests, dental problems, eye diseases, skin problems and many other complicated medical cases, and true to our motto, we had specialists to handle every case much to the satisfaction of all. 

Lion Mercy talking to patients as they wait to be served.

As the day goes by, the medical team is overwhelmed but with the assistance from the Lions, they serve untiringly and by the end of the day we are all happy for what we have achieved and the people of Isingiro are very satisfied and greatful for the service rendered to them.

Part of the crowd that turned up to be treated of different ailments.

Lions also took time off their busy schedule to donate blood and mobilise other people at the camp to donate to save lives. (In the photo, Lion Gervase donating blood to save lives)

As usual, to celebrate our achievement, the day was concluded with a sumptuous dinner and drinks at the home of Lions Gervase and Rose Ndyanabo.

Oh! i almost forgot! As said by one of the renowned nutritionists, "you need to exercise alot so that food can be easily digested", we danced "paka chini" for some good hours punctuated with jokes and loads of laughter.

It's Sunday morning! Lion Rose has prepared for us a very good breakfast, everybody is enjoying themselves and thanking each other for the work well done. It's 10:00am and we're on our bus back to Kampala after a job well done................yes!! We serve.

On a personal note, i must say that it was another adventure but the beauty of staying away from the noisy and dusty Kampala and breathing very fresh air was as satisfying as seeing a patient grateful for the service we rendered.

To those of you who missed, my camera was on duty as usual and i bring to you some of the moments it captured.

Some of the Lions in a group photo!

The "Generals" and lieutenants!!!!

 Lions and the Medical team in a group photo after the camp.

Enjoying the ride on a pick up!!!

To all those who contributed generously towards the success of this medical camp, we say thank you very much and may your efforts be rewarded abundantly. We look foward to your continued moral and material support in the service to the less fortunate.

WHEN THE GOVERNOR VISITED........

It was December 19, 2008 when the District governor visited our club. The visit had been eagerly anticipated and when it finally came to pass, all the Lions and Leos jumped to their feet and welcome the Governor with the respect he deserves.

Forgive me for saying that Lions are obsessed with environmental protection, but yes, we are obsessed because a healthy environment breeds healthy, active and charitable minds. So, the day started with the Governor and his Gracious wife planting trees at the Makerere Lions Leisure park to show their support of our activity. 

The Governor together with all the Lions and Leos, then took a tour of the Leisure park and Planted more trees and replaced others which were destroyed by termites. The activity was a success and the Governor would later appreciate our efforts in protecting the environment at a meeting he presided over at Makerere Guest house to brief the club on the proceedings at both the District and International head quarters.

Lions have a big heart for the less privileged of our society. This was manifested by the donation of food stuffs to the Salvation Army home of the disabled and children. The Governor himself presided over this function and on his part, contributed cash for the running of the home.

The administrators of the home were over joyed and endlessly thanked Lions for their support.

Quite an active morning!........wasn't it?? Yes it was and it deserved a very good Lunch. The Governor was then hosted to a Luncheon at Makerere Guest house before taking a break to prepare for an eventful evening......... Read on..................;

Did i say "the evening was eventful? oh yes!! The evening begun with a sumptuous dinner organised in honour of the Governor's visit. It was very well attended and everybody enjoyed.

Our beloved club president Lion Dr. Mercy Mirembe Ntangaare then outlined the club's achievements within the first half of the Lionistic year and the activities lined up for the last half. Notably was the contribution to the Governor's pledge of membership retention and growth where the club has excelled by inducting ten (10) new members much to the delight of the Governor.

The governor then gave us an account of how far he has gone in achieving what he promised in his manifesto and the plan ahead. He reiterated his commitment to increase membership within the district after all "agali awamu ge galuma enyama"(together as one we serve better).

A number of Lion members were specially recognised with Melvin Jones plaques and pins in appreciation for their endless effort in being the Knights of the blind through contributions to the LCIF Campaign SightFirst II.

More joy was to come as many new members were inducted into Lionism in different clubs on that day but of course our club had the biggest share of the new members.

It was then time to crown the visit and we did it in style by cutting of a cake which was specially made in the shape of the Lions logo.

Still need to know more????? Yes, we danced to the tunes of a live band on stage as we exchanged good byes and festive season wishes.

Now, The next time you hear that a governor is visiting, do not miss the opportunity to be part of the fun as well as servants for a better humanity.

Through rough terrain for the sake of service

A great welcome to all those who travelled to Kagadi for the Medical camp that was successfully concluded on Saturday 8, 2008. An immense tribute to those who made it possible through contributions and donations of all sorts, we showed once again what seperates us from the rest and stand out as knights of the less fortunate.

To those who missed, as usual, sit down and relax as i bring to you the moments;

The journey started well through the rough and rugged road to Mityana but true to our spirit, Lions spiced it with jokes and serious discussions. The jorney from Mityana to Mubende where we had lunch was very smooth. After lunch we set off to what would eventually become a test to our strength. The Mubende-Kibale- Kagadi road was a real test but as the adage goes "something interesting out of nothing", we were amazed by the beautiful landscapes and the greenery punctuated with huge rocks, true to the meaning of Kibale which means "Big Stone".

Our next stop over was at Notre Dem Girls academy where we distributed Sanitary pads, received on their behalf by the Headmistress as seen in the photo above.

We however, did not beat the time to distribute sanitary pads to one of the other chosen schools because they had already left the school by the time we arrived there.

We arrived in Kagadi safely but abit tired. This did not deter us from our aim as we went to Kagadi model primary school and distributed pads to over 100 girls amidst a synchronised way of applause......."asante sana" otherwise nicknamed ........."Asante fire".

We then continued our journey to St Mary Margret Muhorro secondary school where we were received cheerfully by students and we distributed sanitary pads and panties to over 300 students. We then returned to Kagadi town where we had dinner and retired.

In The photo left, Lion Florence...(Christened OC Pads........For laughter purposes only) and Lion Tush giving pads and panties to the girls of Kagadi Model Primary school. Below, Students of Mary Margret Muhorro listen as the "pad specialist" demonstrates on how to use the Makpads. 

Further below, Students  receive pads as other lions look on.

We woke up and had a quite good breakfast but little did we know of what task lay ahead of us. When we got to St. Ambrose hospital, the crowds were enormous as some had travelled from distant places as early as four days back before the camp.

The crowds were overwhelming(as seen from the photo down) even considering the fact that many eye surgeries had been done on friday by Lion Doctor Cillacy Tumwesigye and his tean which should have reduced the number.

The camp was opened officailly by our Immediate Past District Governor Lion Hon. Shem Bageine amidst cheers from the maltitudes of people.

The camp went on well and was officailly closed at 7:00pm after distributing free drugs to the patients.

To celebrate the success of the camp and congratulate ourselves for living true to our motto;"We serve", a barbeque was organised and i bring you some moments in photos;

Guess which caption fits the picture!

I have one to go!!

I've taken only one!!

I'll take one by one!!

This is how we do it!!

Do you remember those days??

Yes we can!!

Can i also have a piece of meat??

I want that piece too!!

Uncle let me help you!!

And finally, for the souvenir, we crowned it all with a celebration of Lion Eleanor Bageine's birth day on sunday morning. Take a look at the video and tell me that the singer doesn't deserve a PAM Award!!!!

AGE NOT A LIMITATION TO SERVICE

Saturaday, October 18, 2008, was a remarkable day in the lives of Leos at Makerere University and Kampala Central Lions club. It is the day the Leos club at Makerere was chartered.

The presentation of the charter was preceeded by a blood donation exercise conducted in conjunction with Nakasero Blood bank where over 15 units of blood were collected. In the photo left, Lions are seen in line with leos waiting to donate blood.

The blood donation exercise was followed by a match past led by the band from Nsibirwa hall gardens to the faculty of Food science and technology where the induction and installation ceremonies took place. I bring to you, the moments during the match as caught on camera;

Ready to walk the line of service.

A presidential perspective of walking the line of service.

Disability is not a limitation to servive

Leading the walk of service

The kids could not accept to be left behind and they participated enthusiastically in the match.

The induction and installation ceremony was conducted by Ln. Anaclet Turyakira a certified Guiding lion. He advised the Leos and installed officers to follow the principals guiding the service of lionism. He called upon them to serve selflessly in their communities. He also challenged them to be the role models for their fellow youth and to champion the causes agaist drug abuse, environmental degradation, prostitution, moral decay and other social vices.

The president of the Lions club of Kampala Central- the sponsoring club, advised the Leos to lead by example and work towards the success of the club. She also challenged them to be the flag bearers in the fight against moral decadence at the university and our communities atlarge.

Leos(down in photo) as they took oath.

The Executive(down) waiting to be installed

The Charter president Leo Rucia Orikiriza promised to work hard with other Leos to fulfill their duties and obligations. 

The ceremonies were concluded with a luncheon organised at the faculty of food science restaurant.......talk about eating a well researched and recommended meal!!

The Blog team wishes the Executive and the entire club a fruitful lionistic year.

CHAMPIONING THE CAUSE

On Friday, october 10, 2008, the Lions of Kampala Central Lions club organised a fundraising Dinner  to raise funds for the Club's upcoming Medical camps in the rural areas of Kagadi and Isingiro. The dinner was graced with the presence of the IPDG Ln. Hon. Shem Bageine who was also the chief guest. He on his part pledged shillings two million and helped in raising over  six million through auctioning some items.

He implored Lions to give whatever  they can afford because what we consider little is big enough to change somebody's life for a very long time.

Lion members who attended showed cause through pledges and cash contributions. The function was also attended by guests from other Lions clubs in Kampala and a Rotarian who appreciated the efforts of the Lions and pledged in support of the cause.

The Club President on her part encouraged members to support club activities through active participation to enable the club fulfil it's obligations. She also pledged Shillions one hundred thousand towards the medical camps.

The evening also saw some private companies join the cause. MED Technologies pledged to contribute Shillings two hundred thousand. Others included Nile high school who pledged Shilling four hundred thousand and Entebbe Distributors who also pledged shs two hundred thousand. Another notable pledge came from Opticals house who pledged to contribute eye glasses worth 1.5million Shillings.

The evening was climaxed with a samptous dinner and entertainment by a live band that played music from the yesteryears much to the delight of the Lions and guests who danced to the tunes.

World Service Day

Dear Lions

 

I am glad to inform you that as we continue to celebrate the World Service Day, the Lions Club of Kampala Central will be hosting a blood donation exercise facilitated by the Nakasero Blood Bank.  This exercise will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2008 between 10:00AM and 12:00PM.  You are requested to turn up in big numbers to support this great cause. Please remember to come along with friends who are potential blood donors (aged between 17 and 61 years and weighing at least 45kg).  You will be provided with all the information related with donating blood safely.

 

On the same day (Saturday October 18, 2008) at 1:00PM, the Club will also be handing over the Charter for the Leo Club at Makerere University, inducting the charter members and installing the club officers.  This ceremony will be preceded by a colourful match past (with a brass band) around the University Campus commencing immediately after blood donation at 12:00PM.  The Guest of Honour will be the Dean of STudents of Makerere University and the induction and installation ceremonies will be conducted by the Immediate Past District Governor, Ln. Hon. Shem Bageine.

 

Please take time off on Saturday and join us for these great activities, and remember to come with friends, both to support the blood donation drive and the Leos as the start their new club.  The formal ceremonies will end at 2:00PM after which we shall continue with fellowship lunch and drinks, with members leaving at leisure.  The detailed programme for the day is attached hereto.

 

Thank you, hoping to meet you at Makerere on Saturday.

Best Regards 

Eng. Dans Nshekanabo Naturinda

PROGRAM FOR THE CEREMONIES TO HANDOVER THE LEO CHARTER FOR
THE LEO CLUB AT MAKERERE UNIVERSITY ON OCTOBER 18, 2008

PRESIDING OFFICER      :           President, Lions Club of Kampala Central

TAMER                                 :           Ln. Eng. Dans Nshekanabo Naturinda

 

TIME	ACTIVITY	RESPONSIBILITY
12:30PM	Fellowship Drink	Ln. J. B. Ntangaare
01:00PM	Calling the meeting to order	Presiding Officer
	Invocation	Mak. Leo
	Loyal Toast	Ln. Emelda Twongyeirwe
	Introductions	Tamer
	Welcome Address	Presiding Officer
	Introduction of the Dean of Students, Makerere University	Ln. George Henry Tusiime
	Address by the Dean of Students
	Introduction of the Chief Guest	Ln. Venie Tinkumanya
	Address by the Chief Guest
	Induction of Leos, Installation of Club Officers and Handing over the Charter	Chief Guest
	Acceptance Speech by the Leo President
	Vote of Thanks	Mak. Leo
	Toast to Lionism	Ln. Allen Naturinda
02:00PM	LUNCH/FELLOWSHIP	Mak. Leo

 

OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR THE DAY

 

TIME	ACTIVITY	VENUE	RESPONSIBILITY
10:00AM	Blood Donation	Nsibirwa Hall Gardens	Nakasero Blood Bank
12:00PM	Match Past	Nsibirwa to FST via Main Bldg and CCE	Mak. Leos

 

 

Best Regards 

Eng. Dans Nshekanabo Naturinda

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