KALANGALA — The bustling Kalangala Central Market was filled with excitement as young volunteers from eight Rotaract clubs across Greater Masaka officially launched a Kids Park, a unique community project designed to create a safe and nurturing environment for children of traders and customers.
The initiative was spearheaded by Alebar Kanyonza, the District Rotaract Representative (DRR) for Rotaract District D9214, who led the clubs in unveiling the new recreational space.
According to Allan Mutagubya, President of the Rotaract Club of Kalangala-Ssese Islands, the project is part of a broader push to prioritize early childhood development by integrating children’s needs into urban planning.
“Today, all growing cities are trying to ensure that young children can mirror themselves in the city’s plan — with safe parks, walkways, and spaces where they can play and grow without fear,” Mutagubya said during the launch.
The Kids Park, situated at the heart of the market, is expected to benefit hundreds of children who often accompany their parents to work, offering them a safe alternative to playing in unsafe and congested spaces.
In addition to the Kids Park launch, the Rotaractors extended their community service to Kinyamira Primary School, where they donated tables and seats to the nursery section under their ‘UpLift campaign’.
The campaign is a signature project of the Greater Masaka Rotaract clubs, aimed at improving learning conditions in underserved schools across Uganda.
This was Phase 3 of the initiative, focusing on the Ssese Islands, where community needs are often more pronounced due to geographical isolation and resource constraints.
“We believe that access to a conducive learning environment gives children a better start in life. As young leaders, we are committed to identifying such needs and using our collective power to address them,” DRR Alebar Kanyonza said.
The Rotaract clubs that participated in the Kalangala outreach include: Rotaract Club of Kalangala–Ssese Islands, Rotaract Club of Masaka, Rotaract Club of Lyantonde, Rotaract Club of Muteesa I Royal University, Rotaract Club of Kampala University–Masaka, Rotaract Club of Masaka School of Nursing, Rotaract Club of Lukaya, and Rotaract Club of Kalisizo.
These clubs pooled their resources and manpower to address real community needs through service projects that directly impact education, child welfare, and social well-being.
Broader Impact
The Kids Park and school donation are part of a growing movement among Rotaractors in Greater Masaka to take service beyond meetings and social events, focusing instead on tangible, high-impact projects.
Community leaders at the launch praised the initiative, noting that it complements government and civil society efforts to improve education and child safety.
The Rotaractors have also hinted at more projects in 2025, targeting health, education, and youth development, with a goal of leaving a lasting footprint in communities they serve.
