Sheebah, Bebe Cool Light Up Rotary's 99th District Gala

The vibrant spirit of Rotary shined brightly at Speke Resort Munyonyo as Rotarians from District 9123 came together for the 99th Rotary District Conference on Saturday.

Rotarians, renowned for their unwavering dedication to service above self, rightly took a break to revel in their achievements and unity at the District Governors Banquet, which marked the thrilling finale of the three-day extravaganza that had kicked off earlier in the week.

Hosted by the lively Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Island, the Governor’s Banquet not only saw Rotarians strategise for the upcoming year but also recognised and celebrated individual clubs that had gone above and beyond in their pursuit of service above self through various projects.

But that’s not all, The District Governors Banquet also doubled as a heartfelt farewell to the outgoing district governor, Edward Kakembo Nsubuga and a warm welcome to the Governor-elect Ann Nkutu.

In a nod to the glamorous Gatsby-era theme, Rotarians decked out in their finest attire were treated to a mouthwatering feast featuring scrumptious traditional Ugandan delicacies.

And what's a celebration without a touch of liquid cheer? A bespoke selection of Johnnie Walker cocktails and neat pours were on hand, ensuring everyone's tastes were catered to.

Jackie Tahakanizibwa, the Corporate Relations, Public Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited, expressed immense pride in the brand's partnership with the event, promising a premium experience for all attendees.

"Our longstanding bond with Rotary is a testament to our commitment to bettering the communities we serve," remarked Tahakanizibwa.

"As Rotarians celebrate tonight, we've promised them an unforgettable evening with our Johnnie Walker and Whitecap Crisp brands and we've delivered. The memories created during these three days, especially tonight, will stay with every Rotarian present." 

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere transitioned from elegant dining to electrifying entertainment. While guests anticipated Bebe Cool to grace the stage, they were in for a delightful surprise when Queen Karma herself, Sheebah Karungi, took the stage with her chart-topping hits.

The Nakyuka star kicked off her performance with Sweet Sensation, her chart-topping collaboration with Nigerian star Orezi. She went on to perform Wankona, Nakyuka, Kyoyinomanya, and Boy Fire which had everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along.

This unexpected twist left guests buzzing, wondering what more surprises lay ahead. But, as soon as the speeches concluded, Bebe Cool and his band took center stage, picking up where Sheebah left off and delivering a show-stopping performance that sent Rotarians into a frenzy.

With hits like Fire Burn Dem, Embozi Zamalwa (his collabo with Sauti Sol), Teka Ssente, and Wire Wire, among others, Bebe Cool kept the energy high and the spirits soaring, while guests enjoyed their Johnnie Walker treats.

As the night drew to a close, Rotarians eagerly looked forward to the next adventure, with District 9214 preparing for their four-day conference starting on April 24.