In a powerful demonstration of youth driven change, members of the Interact Club of St. Balikudembe Secondary School Kisoga recently rolled up their sleeves and took their commitment to service beyond the school gates right into the heart of Kisoga town and its bustling market.
Armed with brooms, gloves, and an unshakeable spirit of volunteerism, the young men and women of the Interact Club carried out a vibrant community clean-up drive, sweeping through Kisoga town and giving the local market a much-needed refresh. The initiative drew admiration from traders, residents, and passersby alike a testament to the power of organised youth action.
Leading the charge was the club’s dedicated patron, Mr. Tumwiine Amos, who not only spearheaded the drive but used the occasion to deliver a message that resonated far beyond the day’s activity.
Addressing students and community members gathered at the market, Mr. Tumwiine emphasised that this clean-up was not merely about picking up litter, it was about changing mindsets.
“We want the people of Kisoga to understand that a clean environment is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” he noted. “The benefits go beyond aesthetics. A clean community means fewer disease outbreaks, more dignified market spaces, and a better quality of life for every one of us.”
He further took the opportunity to highlight the Seven Areas of Focus of Rotary International. The global organisation under which Interact Clubs operate. These focus areas, which include promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment, serve as the guiding pillars of every Interact Club’s work.
“As young Interactors, you are the future of Rotary,” Mr. Tumwiine told the students. “Everything you do in this club connects to a bigger global mission. Keep that in mind always.”
He closed his remarks with a passionate call to action, urging every student to live and breathe the club’s guiding motto:
“Service Above Self.”
The club’s president, Namugombe Darious Jemimah, equally rose to the occasion with inspiring words that echoed her patron’s sentiments and added her own vision for the club’s future.
Namugombe called upon her fellow students to embrace the concept of corporate social responsibility the idea that individuals and organisations alike have a duty to contribute positively to the communities they are part of.
“We are not just students within these school walls,” she said with conviction. “We are members of the Kisoga community. And that means we must always show concern not just when it is convenient, but consistently, genuinely, and with our whole hearts.”
Her words drew enthusiastic applause from both students and the community members present, a clear sign that the message had landed where it mattered most.
Beyond the speeches, the clean-up itself was a sight to behold. Students worked side by side, clearing rubbish, tidying stalls, and engaging with market vendors in cheerful conversation. The energy was infectious and by the end of the drive, Kisoga market stood noticeably cleaner, fresher, and more welcoming.
For many of the young Interactors, it was more than just a day of community service. It was a lesson in leadership, empathy, and the quiet but profound satisfaction that comes from giving something back.
The Interact Club of St. Balikudembe SS Kisoga is affiliated with Rotary International and brings together young people committed to making a difference through service, leadership, and global citizenship. The club operates under the motto “Service Above Self” and participates in a wide range of community development and humanitarian activities throughout the year.
We are proud of our Interactors. This is what leadership looks like.
St. Balikudembe Secondary School Kisoga: Building Leaders, Transforming Communities