Kampala: Rotary Uganda: CBS FM Fundraising Dinner For Nkozi Hospital

Kampala: Last night, September 27, 2024, Rotary Uganda, in partnership with CBS FM, hosted its much-anticipated 10th fundraising dinner at the luxurious Speke Resort Munyonyo. Under the theme of “Road Safety for Our Future,” the event aimed to raise funds for Nkozi Hospital’s ward dedicated to road accident victims. The evening was graced by a distinguished guest of honor, the Katikkiro of Buganda, who delivered a powerful speech addressing a significant issue affecting road safety in Uganda.

In his address, the Katikkiro urged government officials to translate road signs into local languages to ensure that motorists can comprehend these warnings. He cited a prominent example at Makerere University’s main gate, where outgoing motorists are cautioned to “yield” to on running traffic on the main road. “Many motorists do not understand the jargon ‘yield’ in this context,” he explained, emphasizing the critical need for clear communication in road signage. He further mentioned the common warning that prohibits “driving on shoulders,” suggesting that similar issues arise with terms that are not universally understood.

The event drew an impressive crowd of dignitaries, including the Archbishop of Kampala, the Lord Mayor of Kampala, and the Minister of Transport and Works, General Katumba Wamala. The managing director of Centenary Bank, the platinum sponsor of this initiative, and multiple heads and staff from various Buganda Kingdom organizations, including CBS FM, BBS Terefayina, and Majestic Brands, were also in attendance. There was a notable presence from the newly appointed interim KCCA Executive Director, Frank Nyakaana Rusa, alongside representatives from other sponsors who supported the fundraising dinner.

As the dinner unfolded, guests were treated not only to a sumptuous meal but also to a range of entertainment. The night was punctuated with laughter, particularly from the Lord Mayor, who humorously recounted a personal incident where he comically exclaimed “wuwi, wuwi” after a rather unfortunate encounter with security forces, prompting an uproar of laughter from the attendees.

Advertising

Adding to the festivities, beautiful portraits of the Kabaka and Nnaabagereka were presented to the event’s major sponsors, including Centenary Bank, I & M Bank, and Fotogenix, courtesy of Kabaka’s Majestic Brands. This gesture highlighted the strong collaboration between traditional leadership and modern philanthropic endeavors.

The Archbishop’s speech resonated deeply with the audience as he reiterated the Catholic Church’s commitment to helping the community in a nondiscriminatory manner. He emphasized the importance of unity in addressing social issues, especially those linked to road safety.

Centenary Bank made a significant contribution of 40 million shillings, underscoring its unwavering support for initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Ugandans. This generous support is expected to make a substantial impact on the care provided to road accident victims at Nkozi Hospital.

The successful fundraising dinner not only raised vital funds but also heightened awareness concerning the pressing issue of road safety in Uganda. As the community comes together in support of this cause, the hope remains that through collaboration and understanding, we can reduce road accidents and save lives.