Ebola restrictions bar 600 Ugandan Rotarians from attending the Rotary International Convention in Taipei despite strong registration numbers

More than 600 Ugandan Rotarians will miss the Rotary International Convention in Taipei, Taiwan, after travel restrictions linked to Ebola concerns prevented them from attending one of the organisation’s largest global gatherings.

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The convention, scheduled for June 13 to 17, brings together Rotary members from around the world to exchange ideas, showcase service projects and strengthen international partnerships.

The development was disclosed by Rotary International Director Emmanuel Katongole, who expressed disappointment that Ugandan delegates would be unable to participate despite extensive preparations.

“We have missed going to the international convention in Taipei. It wasn’t our making.

We all looked forward to it, and Uganda had one of the biggest registrations, about 600 of us. We were ready to go to Taipei, and we were denied the opportunity,” Katongole said.

The Ebola Restrictions Bar 600 Ugandan Rotarians from attending the event despite Uganda recording relatively few Ebola cases, highlighting concerns about the broader impact of international travel restrictions on the country.

While the delegates will miss the Taipei convention, Katongole announced plans to host a major Rotary gathering in Uganda later this year.

According to him, Uganda will host the All Africa Zone Institute from October 1 to 3, providing local Rotarians with an opportunity to participate in an international-scale Rotary event on home soil.

The event is expected to attract some of Rotary International’s most senior leaders, including the Rotary International President, the President-elect, the General Secretary and members of the organisation’s governing board.

“This will be the first time in history that the board of Rotary International meets in a single country like Uganda.

Come to the All Africa Zone Institute, and I promise you personal care. As you enjoy the year, let us continue to create a lasting impact in the world,” Katongole told members.

The All Africa Zone Institute is regarded as one of Rotary’s premier continental events, bringing together leaders from across Africa for training sessions, workshops, networking and service development initiatives.

Katongole made the remarks during the installation ceremony of the eighth president of the Rotary Club of Muyenga Tank Hill at Hotel International Muyenga on June 6.

The ceremony also featured the induction of eight Rotaractors by Governor Nominee-Designate Peter Kaggwa and the recognition of Rotarian Vivien Katusabe as the club’s outstanding member of the year.

Katusabe received a wristwatch and a fully sponsored two-night getaway for two at Speke Resort Munyonyo in recognition of her service contributions.

Concerns over the impact of Ebola-related restrictions have continued to generate debate in Uganda.

On May 30, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Asan Kasingye, criticised what he described as unfair treatment of Uganda by some countries.

Kasingye argued that Uganda’s transparency in reporting Ebola cases and implementing containment measures should be recognised rather than penalised.

During the event, outgoing Rotary Club of Muyenga Tank Hill President Kenneth Rubango highlighted the club’s achievements over the past year, including securing six global grants and implementing 25 projects with support from 30 partner clubs.

Among the flagship initiatives was the Oxygen for Life Project, a solar-powered medical oxygen programme for mothers and newborns funded through a $96,000 Rotary International global grant.

Rubango also cited international projects involving anaesthesia and electrosurgical systems in Brazil, dialysis equipment in India and several health-focused interventions in Uganda.

He said the club had already committed $33,000 to the Rotary Foundation ahead of the upcoming impact year to support future humanitarian initiatives.

Meanwhile, incoming president Rebecca Mwesigwa Luwaga pledged to build on the club’s achievements by strengthening member engagement, expanding service projects and deepening community impact.

“Our focus will be to create lasting impact by strengthening member engagement, delivering meaningful service projects, growing our club intentionally, supporting the Rotary Foundation, and deepening our connection with the communities we serve,” Luwaga said.

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She urged members to continue serving with dedication and to build on the strong foundation established by previous leaders as the club enters a new chapter.