A SYMBOL OF COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

Presenting to you a symbol of commitment to Service!

(Above, Lion Venie and other Lions in a group photo after the Medical camp in Isingiro)

In a society riddled with self enrichment and individual considerations, it has become increasingly difficult to find  leaders who are up to the task of the service of men. As Lions, we strive to bridge this gap by showing our commitment to service of fellow beings especially the less fortunate than ourselves.

Our beloved District has been fortunate to have good leaders and to continue the trend, we deserve a leader whose commitment to service is undoubted, a leader whose ethical, moral and professional standards have stood the test of time and above all; a leader whose leadership qualities are the envy of multitudes.

Fellow Lions, Leos and Guests, I have the pleasure of introducing Lion Venie Tinkumanya for the post of First Vice District Governor for the Lionistic year 2009/2010.

As a Lion leader, Lion Venie has gained vast experience and exposure which i believe the District can tap into for the benefit of the people we serve. 

His commitment to service and his love for high ethical and professional standards is what our beloved District needs. 

Let us join hands and support the cause of good leadership for the benefit of the less fortunate than us.

We serve.

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.

Family day - The Lions way

Welcome to the real meaning of a family!

We all have families where we come from and belong. However, there is one unique family; the Lions family where a family day-out is nothing but fun, fun and more fun. Oh! you haven't clicked! Well, let me take you through what transpired on 14th December 2008 during our end of year Family day.

The day begun with the learning and playing of a new and exciting game called wood ball. Lions Dans and Emelda group took the day followed by Lions Emma and Jotham. now, let me let you in on the secret of being the first (according to Dans), always register as the first. I could not refute his theory because he had registered his group first and the group won, so........ go ahead and follow.

The game was followed by a samptous lunch thanks to the good organisation by the Activities committee chaired by Lion Tush Naturinda.

The lunch break was followed by an address by the President of Lions club of Kampala central, Lion Mercy and the Immediate Past District Governor, Lion Hon. Shem Bageine. We were then treated to a brain teasing session led by Eng. Dans Naturinda.

The most interesting part of the day was the introductions led by Lion Grace. You must have read in one of the Lion Magazines that "each club should have it level of silliness" and surely this was ours. Ever imagined introducing yourself with a trademark gesture?? Yes, that's what we did and believe me it was fun and everyone loved it.

The children had too much fun and they climaxed it with the cutting of the Lions christmass cake together with "Father Christmass" Lion Venie Tinkumanya.

After munching the cake, it was time to shake our bones and yes! the young and old all pulled very serious strokes.

As the memorable day came to an end we sat in a group and listened to words of wisdom from our beloved IPDG Lion Hon. Shem Bageine and other senior lions.

It is an understatement to say that "the day was good" because to me it was memeorable and showed the real meaning of a family; Lions family at that!

I now bring to you some of the other moments as cuaght on camera;

Let's use our experience and win!!

I already have mine so if you don't mind pick yours!

This is how we do it!!

Guests too had loads of fun.....and i was witness with my camera.

And for the souvenir.............

To all of you who made it memorable, thanks so much

and to those who didn't attend for one reason or the other,

you missed alot but see you at the next activity.

Clean Environment, Clear minds and Better Health

Ask me why i love Lionism and i'll tell you that it's because we are "all-rounders"  for the good causes!

The Lions club of Kampala Central and the Leos club at Makerere proved me right on Saturday November 22, 2008 when they took  up "arms" to clean up the Lions Leisure Park at Makerere University. 

In the photo above, Lion Tush; the Activities committee Chairperson together with other members show their strength as Leos look on.

The Lions together with the Leos at Makerere descended on the park with  pangas, hoes and other tools and rid it of all the creepers on trees and other unwanted plants in the park not forgetting picking buveras and other things that littered the green park.

Other activities of the day included, naming of trees and tagging them to different Lions and Leo members for easy Identification and care. I bring to you some of the day's moments as caught on camera;

Hey! don't cut that tree.....

Take heart please, i am just clearing the bush around it to give it some breathing space to grow well.

Lion Tush and Leo Rusia together with another Leo trying to map out a plan of how to go about the work

It's our duty to protect the environment. Leos drove the message home by display of their club banner at the park.

The activity ended with a group photo to remember the great effort in maintaining the environment clean.

A big thank you to all those who participated in the activity of keeping our environment clean.

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!!!!

DIABETES AWARENESS WEEK, NOVEMBER 10-16, 2008

Diabetes in children and Adolescents

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a problem where you have too much glucose(Sugar) in the blood.Glucose comes from the food we eat and is needed by the body for energy. The amount of glucose in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, produced in the pancreas. If the body does not have enough insulin, or the insulin is not doing its job properly, there will be high glucose levels in the blood. Sometimes the body cells may be resistant to the effect of insulin, requiring more of it that normal for the same effect.

There are two types of Diabetes. Type 1, where the body is producing no insulin. This type is common in young people. In Type 2, the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly. This type is more common withg adults, but is now on the increase in young people. Type 1 usually arises from abnormal antibodies and inflammatory cells that damage the pancreas cells where insulin is made.This abnormality may be genetic or may be a result of certain viral infections, or exposure to environmanetal toxins. Type 2 is more related to age and lifestyle, although other factors like genetics and ethnicity are considered to have a bearing on the risk.

For the first time in history, type 2 diabetes is now more common than Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents.  Most of these cases are a direct result of poor eating habits, higher body weight and lack of exercise

How do I know I have Diabetes?

Early symptoms of diabetes include weight loss (despite increased appetite), and dehydration exhibited in frequent thirst and high consumption of fluids like water and juices.  Diabetes can also cause fatigue, nausea and vomiting.  Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can lead to blurred vision.  Patients with diabetes are prone to infection of the bladder, skin and vaginal areas. To confirm if you have diabetes or not, visit a medical facility and have your blood sugar level checked by a competent person who will inform you of your status.

Is diabetes preventable?

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by keeping weight in control and by increasing physical activity. Eating healthier and at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week can do wonders in preventing or delaying the disease. Type 1 is a result of an autoimmune process and there is no sure way of preventing it. However, it can be detected in early stages and managed properly. Hence children at a high risk, say due to genetic reasons, should regularly check up and seek assistance from qualified medical personnel.

Is there a cure for diabetes?

Diabetes is chronic and hence cannot be cured.  However, having it is not a death sentence, because it can be managed through healthy eating, physical activity, medication and sometimes insulin injection.  Patients with Type 1 diabetes MUST always have insulin injections.

What if I don’t get treatment for diabetes?

High blood sugar levels can damage body organs and tissues, causing blindness or vision impairment, stroke and heart attack, loss of limbs and kidney failure. Regular health checks are important to avoid these risks.

LIONS have been at the forefront of fighting preventable blindness through SightFirst Programs.  Since 1984, there has been particular interest in Diabetes Awareness because diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among people between the ages of 20 and 75.  Diabetic retinopathy happens when the blood vessels of the retina at the back of the eye are damaged.  This usually happens because of high blood sugars or high blood pressure. The Lions International  Diabetes Awareness Day is November 14, and November is Diabetes Awareness Month.  The Lions Club of Kampala Central chose November 10—16 as the Lions Awareness Week for this year. The main activity of the week is to disseminate information about diabetes for people to know how to prevent or delay it, and how to manage it when it finally strikes.

© Lions Club Kampala of Central, 2008