The brand new presidents of Lions Membership Worldwide in Kigali have pledged to broaden group service, strengthen youth programmes, and widen assist for weak teams following their set up on Thursday, June 18.
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The set up ceremony marked a management transition inside Lions Membership Kigali Doyen and Lions Membership Kigali Impression.
Incoming Kigali Doyen President Theoneste Mwunguzi stated he would give attention to teamwork, continuity and increasing service actions.
“I’m honoured to function President of Lions Membership Kigali Doyen for 2026–2027. I thank the outgoing management and all members for his or her belief. We’ll proceed to work collectively as a result of significant service is achieved via teamwork, not particular person effort”
He stated the membership plans to strengthen member participation, broaden its outreach actions and lift the visibility of its work inside the group.
Mwunguzi added that the priorities this yr embrace continued assist for youngsters with autism, advancing eye care programmes in collaboration with the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) and pushing ahead the following part of the group centre challenge.
“Younger individuals will stay central to our efforts as we proceed supporting colleges and inspiring youth participation in sports activities. We additionally plan to carry quarterly main service actions to keep up constant affect,” he stated.
Outgoing Kigali Doyen President Alphonse Mukama stated the spirit behind Lions Golf equipment reveals a rooted tradition of giving again.
“In African tradition, if any person offers you one thing good, you may have an ethical obligation to someday give again. That can be the philosophy of Lions Membership. It’s about giving again to the group,” Mukama stated.
He added that many individuals overlook how a lot their lives are formed by collective assist.
“After we are born, we include nothing. All the pieces now we have in the present day, together with our training and {qualifications}, has been made potential by the nation and the individuals round us. If now we have philosophy, we should give again to our nation and to the following era,” he stated.
Mukama inspired members to shift consideration from what they lack to what they will supply.
“Many instances, individuals take into consideration what they don’t have similar to a home, a automobile or one thing else. We overlook what we have already got. But all of us have one thing that may profit our communities. We have to recognise that and use it to assist others,” he stated.
He highlighted achievements throughout his tenure, together with the Africa Lions Discussion board held in Kigali and group tasks.
One of many key interventions was assist to the Rwanda Union of the Blind in Masaka, the place an growth challenge was accomplished.
“Help for blind individuals has been on the coronary heart of Lions Worldwide since its early years. The affiliation in Masaka wanted to broaden its premises, and we secured funding of about $150,000 for the challenge. The work has now been accomplished,” he stated.
The membership additionally labored with Jali Sector in Gasabo District on community-based medical insurance (Mutuelle de santé) assist for weak residents.
“We’re registered in Gasabo, and we imagine it is very important work with native leaders to determine wants and supply assist. We began with Jali Sector and intend to proceed that partnership,” he stated.
Mukama stated the membership’s affect depends upon collective effort and continued development in membership.
Incoming Kigali Impression President Charmant Hakizimana stated priorities will embrace membership development and stronger communication.
“We’ll give attention to rising membership underneath Lions Worldwide’s Mission 1.5 and strengthening our presence on social media so extra individuals can perceive our mission and actions,” he stated.
Outgoing Kigali Impression President Jean Paul Nzakamwita welcomed the transition and expressed confidence within the new management.
“I want the brand new president success and hope he’ll take the membership to better heights. We’re assured that, working intently with members, he’ll proceed advancing our mission of serving the group,” he stated.
9 new members have been inducted through the ceremony.
