Distinguished Rotary leader Jimmy Mugerwa delivered a stirring address during the joint installation ceremony of the Rubaga, Bukoto, and Kyambogo Rotaract Clubs last weekend, leaving the newly inducted executives with powerful lessons on leadership and service. As charter president of the Kigo Seven Lakes Golf Rotary Club and guest of honor, Mugerwa transformed what is typically a ceremonial event into a profound moment of mentorship and inspiration.
Mugerwa framed the leadership transition as a sacred passing of the torch, reminding the Rotaract clubs that their new roles represented more than just titles – they were becoming custodians of Rotary’s enduring mission. He spoke passionately about continuity as Rotary’s lifeblood, urging the Rubaga, Bukoto, and Kyambogo leaders to see their terms as connected chapters in a much larger story of service. “You aren’t simply taking over positions,” he told the attentive audience, “you’re inheriting a legacy and have the responsibility to build upon it.”
The seasoned leader shared a particularly memorable analogy that resonated through the hall: “Our young Rotaractors from Rubaga, Bukoto, and Kyambogo aren’t empty vessels waiting to be filled with instructions, but candles ready to be lit – and they may well light the path forward for all of us.” This sentiment captured his belief in the transformative potential of youth leadership when properly nurtured.
Drawing from his own journey from humble beginnings to leading major organizations, Mugerwa emphasized that all meaningful leadership must begin with self-leadership. He challenged the new executives to dedicate significant time to personal growth, stressing that “you cannot give what you don’t have, and you cannot lead where you haven’t been.” His words carried particular weight as he described his daily practices of reflection and continuous learning.
One of the most impactful moments came when Jimmy Mugerwa introduced his “Five Buckets of Potential” framework, using vivid examples to illustrate how knowledge, skills, networks, resources, and reputation interconnect to build credible leadership. He made the concept tangible by showing how visionaries like Elon Musk demonstrate this principle in action.
As the address reached its conclusion, Mugerwa made a personal commitment to the Rubaga, Bukoto, and Kyambogo Rotaract clubs, pledging to walk alongside them in their leadership journeys. “True leadership,” he reminded them, “is measured in lives changed, not titles held.” The emotional impact of his words was visible as the new executives rose in a spontaneous standing ovation, many later describing the address as exactly the guidance they needed as they embark on their service.
The ceremony closed with Mugerwa’s final charge lingering in the air: “The future of Rotaract is now in your hands. Light the way boldly.” His message left no doubt that the Rubaga, Bukoto, and Kyambogo clubs had received not just a ceremonial blessing, but a substantive foundation for transformative leadership.
