85 year old Joy Shalita wins Vocational Service Award

By Alex Gahima

Rotary Club of Mgahinga Kisoro has recognized Joy Shalita, widow to Bishop Emeritus Ernest Munyambabazi Shalita of Muhabura Diocese in Kisoro district, with the Vocational Service Award 2022.

The award that is given out during the month of January every year, across all Rotary clubs around the world, seeks to recognize people who have served in their different capacities while observing high standards of professionalism, integrity and moral fiber.

The event that took place at Mondi Echo Lodge, in Kisoro Municipality attracted the club members who turned up, dressed elegantly to a wine and dine setting.

Immediate Past President of Rotary Club of Mgahinga Ezra Ndagije says, the awards goes to those who strive for excellence.

According to Ndagije, no man or woman, alive on this earth is completely perfect but the one that keeps on improving the lives of people around them, is someone worth recognizing.

Joy Shalita, an honorary member of Rotary Club thanked the members for recognizing her efforts as a home maker, mentor to married couples and a charitable person to all, especially abandoned children.

“It brings me so much joy to know that my little efforts over the years have amounted to something worth being recognizing. I am so glad to be celebrated while am still alive, unlike my late husband, Bishop Shalita who was given a posthumous award”, Joy explained

Mrs. Shalita challenged married couples to seek Christ Jesus in everything instead of pursuing worldly remedies, which are neither effective nor long lasting.

“All I hear nowadays on the radio is things to do with no work, I don’t understand how so many people are concerned with satisfying their fleshly desires, the only true source for peace, joy and happiness in marriage is Jesus Christ”, Mrs. Shalita emphasized.

Joy Shalita becomes the third recipient of the Vocational Service Award after renowned medical doctor Dr. Damian Ndagijimana last year and John Bavuga, a former head teacher at St. Paul’s Mutolere Secondary School.

New Members welcomed to the Family

A total of three members were formally welcomed into the Rotary club of Mgahinga.

Two members, namely Ghad Mugiri and Henry Mutabazi had formally been inducted back in August 2021 and were given their lapel pins as a visible sign of their commitment to put service above self.

Mr. Ghad Mugiri, a safety Superintendent with Total energies is currently working on the Tilenga project that will see Uganda pioneer Oil production.

He formerly served as an Industry hygiene and safety engineer in the Oil and Gas industry for the last 11 years.

Mugiri says, as a Rotarian, he intends to avail himself in a counseling and mentorship role, sharing his life experiences and worldwide travels, with hopes that it will impact the life of at least one person.

Mr. Henry Mutabazi, the Country coordinator for International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP) is an environmentalist and conservationist for more than two decades now.

Mutabazi says he decided to join Rotary club after discovering that the club objectives of service above self complimented his personal convicts and lifestyle.

“I have always loved to help others by offering knowledge and equipping them with skills, so what better place to do it, than with a network of friends and colleagues who share a similar passion”, Mutabazi explained.

Change Maker President Jackie Bagainizi says Rotary club welcomes all calibers of people who have a sincere desire to serve others.

Mrs. Bagainizi says a new member by the names of Dr. Benon Nkomejimana, the Kisoro Municipal Principal Medical officer is set to be inducted soon and he too will become a full member of the club, which currently has more than 35 members.