By Stephen kafeero
Uganda has been selected to host the Rotary International Presidential Africa Youth Conference (RIPAY) 2013 from 4th -5th November.
The conference will be hosted by Rotary International President Ron D Burton and will be held at hotel Africana under the theme “Engage Rotary Change Lives: Taking change of the Future.” The conference is expected to bring over 2,000 young professionals, Rotaractors, Rotarians, interactors and well wishers.
Rotary is divided into districts and Uganda belongs to District 9211 which covers Uganda and Tanzania. Current District Governor Emmanuel Katongole said that it was an honor for Uganda to host an event of that magnitude. “It is also a global recognition of the work and selflessness of thousands of Rotarians in Uganda,” he said.
The Rotary International President is expected in Uganda on 3rd November 2013. He will hold meetings with senior government officials and business leaders, visit Rotary projects and chair the youth conference.
Burton will also participate as a good will ambassador for Rotary in the promotion of proper Hand washing with soap. At Kiwuliriza Primary School in Namuwongo a suburb in Kampala. He is also expected to distribute mosquito nets and reproductive kits to expectant mothers and young children
Outside Uganda the youth conferences will be held in India for Asia, United Kingdom for Europe and Brazil for the Americas.
Katongole said that it was important to focus on the youth. “If you look at the majority of the population of all the countries, the youth are going to play a major role in the future development of these countries,” Katongole said .