Masindi Lions Club launched to tackle school dropouts and climate change

MASINDI, August 18, 2026 — The national leadership of Lions Clubs International has officially launched the Lions Club of Masindi, an initiative aimed at tackling the high primary school dropout rate and promoting environmental sustainability through tree planting in schools.

During a colourful ceremony held at Masindi Kolping Hotel on Saturday, 24 members were formally inducted and installed as charter members of the Lions Club of Masindi.

In his inaugural address, Godfrey Bahemuka, the Masindi District Community Development Officer and newly appointed club president, said the club was registered in June 2026.

“By June next year, we aim to reach 30 members. Our primary focus will be addressing the high dropout rate, which is a significant challenge in Masindi. We plan to engage parents and learners to help them understand the invaluable benefits of education,” he said, adding that the club had already identified schools most affected by the problem.

Bahemuka highlighted some of the club’s preliminary activities, including the planting of 160 fruit and shade trees at Kabalye Juvenile Remand Home, a facility that previously had no trees, and at the Masindi District Local Government headquarters.

The members also repainted a zebra crossing at St Edward’s Primary School along the busy Masindi-Kigumba road to improve safety for pupils crossing the highway.

“In February next year, we will host an eye surgical camp in Masindi, as we have identified a significant need for eye care in the district,” he said.

He added that the club plans to plant 200 fruit and shade trees at four identified primary and secondary schools in need of tree cover.

Bahemuka said each member of the Masindi Lions Club would also be required to plant 10 fruit trees at a location of their choice and ensure that they survive and grow.

“We are committed to community-focused initiatives, including sensitisation on various issues, mobilisation and counselling. I encourage new members to join and popularise the club to help us raise resources for vulnerable groups,” he said.

Lion Tush Natulinda, the Immediate Past District Governor, advised the Masindi Lions Club members to prioritise strategic collaborations to support the club’s growth.

“Seek collaborations that will foster your growth. Work with the government, leaders, schools, civil society organisations and other institutions. Prioritise helping communities in need. View collaboration as a key to success and continue doing good,” Natulinda said.

Officiating as the chief guest, Rogers Byamukama, the Member of Parliament for Masindi Municipality, challenged the club’s leaders to expand its membership beyond civil servants.

“Take this initiative beyond district and municipal civil servants. Engage the business community and other community members to expand your resource base. Recruit from homes, churches and various other categories. This club primarily thrives on volunteerism,” he said.

Byamukama also encouraged the Masindi Lions Club members to regularly visit and participate in activities organised by other Lions Clubs.

The executive members of the Masindi Lions Club are Godfrey Bahemuka, Community Development Officer, Masindi, as President; Cyrus Opigo, Principal Human Resource Officer, Masindi, as First Vice President; Clare Wamara, Labour Officer, Masindi, as Second Vice President; Stella Tumusiime, Senior Office Superintendent, as Secretary; and Moses Kalyegira, District Commercial Officer, as Treasurer.

Other key members include Brian Atuhuura, District Communication Officer, as Chairperson of Marketing; Tony Okwee as Club Administrator; and David Baguma, Chief Finance Officer, Masindi, as Club Service Chairperson, among others.

During their induction and installation, the members were briefed on their responsibilities in accordance with their respective portfolios.

Representatives from other Lions Clubs, including those in Hoima, Arua, Sheema, Kampala Generation and Ibanda, also attended the event.

https://thecooperator.news/mitigating-climate-change-govt-launches-shs5b-n-biogas-pilot-in-schools/

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