In the month of March, we celebrated World Rotaract Week, a time to recognize the impact of Rotaract as a Rotary-sponsored organization that brings together young leaders (18+) to serve communities, grow professionally and build lifelong networks. For some of us, it has been a formative journey. I spent over a decade in Rotaract before transitioning into Rotary.
During the week, I had the privilege of speaking at the Rotaract–Rotary transition forum, a well-curated initiative led by the District Rotaract transition lead, PDRR Emmanuel Lukeera and his team. The forum is one of the intentional parameters created by the District Governor Geoffrey Kitakule, to encourage and inspire Rotaractors to transition into Rotary. On the panel, I shared my journey of starting the Rotary club of Uptown Kampala, as a former Rotaractor and challenged Rotaractors to embrace the opportunity of founding the Rotary clubs they would aspire to transition into.
Reflecting on my Rotaract journey, I was reminded of how the space shaped my mindset and sense of purpose. It gave me meaningful friendships that have stood the test of time and introduced me to Rotarians who inspired me both directly and indirectly, to grow into the person I am today. I can confirm that Rotaract is a foundation for leadership, service and personal transformation.
However, these reflections also brought to light a critical concern: the low number of Rotaractors transitioning into Rotary. This raises important questions. Why do some Rotaractors disengage at the point of transition? Is it a lack of awareness, limited exposure to the opportunities within Rotary, or perhaps an incomplete experience of the full value Rotaract offers? If Rotaract is truly achieving its goals – developing leadership and professional skills, promoting high ethical standards and fostering service, then transition should be a natural next step.
The final goal of Rotaract is clear: to motivate young people toward eventual membership in Rotary. It is designed to create a strong pipeline of future Rotary leaders who continue to live out the principle of Service Above Self. When this transition does not happen, it should concern all of us within Rotary.
As Rotarians, we must reflect and act. What can we do differently? How can we better support Rotaractors to see Rotary not as an end, but as a continuation of their journey?
Written by
Immy Nakyeyune
Charter President, Rotary Club of Uptown Kampala
