The new presidents of Lions Club International in Kigali have pledged to expand community service, strengthen youth programmes, and widen support for vulnerable groups following their installation on Thursday, June 18.

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The installation ceremony marked a leadership transition within Lions Club Kigali Doyen and Lions Club Kigali Impact.

Incoming Kigali Doyen President Theoneste Mwunguzi said he would focus on teamwork, continuity and expanding service activities.

"I am honoured to serve as President of Lions Club Kigali Doyen for 2026–2027. I thank the outgoing leadership and all members for their trust. We will continue to work together because meaningful service is achieved through teamwork, not individual effort"

He said the club plans to strengthen member participation, broaden its outreach activities and raise the visibility of its work within the community.

Mwunguzi added that the priorities this year include continued support for children with autism, advancing eye care programmes in collaboration with the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) and pushing forward the next phase of the community centre project.

"Young people will remain central to our efforts as we continue supporting schools and encouraging youth participation in sports. We also plan to hold quarterly major service activities to maintain consistent impact,” he said.

Outgoing Kigali Doyen President Alphonse Mukama said the spirit behind Lions Clubs shows a rooted culture of giving back.

"In African culture, if somebody gives you something good, you have a moral duty to one day give back. That is also the philosophy of Lions Club. It is about giving back to the community,” Mukama said.

He added that many people overlook how much their lives are shaped by collective support.

"When we are born, we come with nothing. Everything we have today, including our education and qualifications, has been made possible by the country and the people around us. If we have a good philosophy, we must give back to our country and to the next generation,” he said.

Mukama encouraged members to shift attention from what they lack to what they can offer.

"Many times, people think about what they do not have such as a house, a car or something else. We forget what we already have. Yet we all have something that can benefit our communities. We need to recognise that and use it to help others,” he said.

He highlighted achievements during his tenure, including the Africa Lions Forum held in Kigali and community projects.

One of the key interventions was support to the Rwanda Union of the Blind in Masaka, where an expansion project was completed.

"Support for blind people has been at the heart of Lions International since its early years. The association in Masaka needed to expand its premises, and we secured funding of about $150,000 for the project. The work has now been completed,” he said.

The club also worked with Jali Sector in Gasabo District on community-based health insurance (Mutuelle de santé) support for vulnerable residents.

"We are registered in Gasabo, and we believe it is important to work with local leaders to identify needs and provide support. We started with Jali Sector and intend to continue that partnership,” he said.

Mukama said the club’s impact depends on collective effort and continued growth in membership.

Incoming Kigali Impact President Charmant Hakizimana said priorities will include membership growth and stronger communication.

"We will focus on increasing membership under Lions International’s Mission 1.5 and strengthening our presence on social media so more people can understand our mission and activities,” he said.

Outgoing Kigali Impact President Jean Paul Nzakamwita welcomed the transition and expressed confidence in the new leadership.

"I wish the new president success and hope he will take the club to greater heights. We are confident that, working closely with members, he will continue advancing our mission of serving the community,” he said.

Nine new members were inducted during the ceremony.