The Rotary Club of Kigali Karisimbi, on July 5, installed Hem Raj Sharma as its new president to serve a one-year term. Sharma, who took over from Samuel Nzeki Munyao, pledged to build on the club’s growing community impact and expand its membership. ALSO READ: Rosine Uwamariya installed as president of Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali The installation ceremony brought together Rotarians, partners, family members and friends to celebrate the annual leadership transition and reflect on the club’s achievements during the 2025/26 Rotary year. In his acceptance speech, Sharma thanked members for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the club and paid tribute to the outgoing leadership. “I accept this responsibility with gratitude and commitment,” he said. “We will continue building on the foundation that has been laid while strengthening fellowship, friendship and service.” He noted that although Rotary Club Kigali Karisimbi was established in 2022, it has made significant strides in a relatively short period and pledged to sustain that momentum under Rotary International’s new year. ALSO READ: Robert Makuza installed as president of Rotary Club Kigali Outgoing president Munyao said the club exceeded several of the goals it had set at the beginning of the Rotary year, describing the achievements as the result of teamwork. “We all know that nobody can achieve any goal on their own,” he said. “Everything we have achieved has been because of the support of our members, our mentors and our partners.” Among the highlights, Munyao said the club doubled its membership during the year, attributing the growth to involving new members in projects and leadership responsibilities. “People want to contribute and have an impact. Once they feel they are adding value, they become part of the organisation and invite others to join,” he said. The club also developed its first five-year strategic plan. “The strategic plan captures our aspirations for the next five years. It is a living document that will continue evolving as members bring in new ideas,” he said. One of the club’s notable milestones was securing a Rotary District Grant, making it one of three clubs in Rwanda to receive the funding during the year. The grant supported a defensive driving and operational excellence training programme for professional drivers drawn from both public and private institutions, an initiative aimed at improving road safety and transport efficiency. ALSO READ: Reflecting on a year of community service The club also continued rehabilitation works at Ecole Primaire Ntungamo in Muhanga District, with Munyao praising members for contributing financially and volunteering their time. Beyond infrastructure, the club organised health awareness activities focusing on diabetes prevention, participated in environmental conservation initiatives, supported Genocide commemoration activities, among others. Munyao said members also participated in national polio awareness activities organised by Rotary Rwanda. He pledged to continue supporting Sharma and the incoming board to ensure continuity. Rotary Assistant District Governor Jwala Vijay Kumar Chaluvadi, who officiated the installation, commended the club for its progress over the past year and encouraged members to continue focusing on projects that create sustainable impact in communities.
