KAMPALA, Uganda — Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo began a high-profile, two-day visit to Uganda on Friday, signaling a deepened commitment to the country’s maternal health and peace-building sectors.
The visit, which commenced at the Kawempe National Referral Hospital, focused on the “Oxygen for Life” project. The initiative provides critical neonatal support to a facility that handles the highest delivery volume in the country, averaging 60 births per day.
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Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng lauded the partnership, noting that such interventions are essential to meeting national goals. Uganda currently aims to reduce maternal mortality from 183 to 70 per 100,000 live births within the next three years.
“This project is critical because it comes to save lives so that every mother can walk home with a baby,” Aceng said during a briefing with hospital leadership.
Arezzo, an orthodontist and entrepreneur from Sicily who assumed the Rotary presidency for the 2025-26 term, praised the medical staff as “essential heroes.” He emphasized that the project was a collaborative effort involving more than 40 Rotary and Rotaract clubs.
The delegation later moved to Makerere University to visit the Rotary Peace Centre. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe credited the Rotary fraternity for making the center a vibrant hub for community development.
“Rotary Peace Fellows are doing great work in their communities,” Nawangwe said. “We want to appreciate your support for the work that the sector does.”
Arezzo’s itinerary continues with a strategic meeting at Speke Resort Munyonyo and a private audience with the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga. The visit underscores the 36-year Rotary veteran’s focus on “Service Above Self” through tangible infrastructure and educational support.
