More Than a Title: What aBi and Weerinde Actually Do
Congratulations are always in order when our members take on new leadership roles. But behind every appointment is an organisation with a story, a mission and far-reaching impact.
This week, we shine the spotlight on two institutions where members of the Rotary Club of Kampala North have been entrusted with significant responsibilities—and why these appointments matter not only to them, but also to our Club and the communities they serve.
Leadership Beyond the Title From transforming Uganda’s agricultural economy through aBi to safeguarding Buganda Kingdom’s commercial interests through Weerinde Insurance, our members continue to demonstrate the leadership, integrity and professional excellence associated with Rotary.
More Than a Title: What aBi and Weerinde Actually Do
Kampala North Members in Leadership
Driving Growth from the Ground Up
Rtn. Ddegeya Sekyeru Takes the Wheel at aBi
Our very own Rtn. Ddegeya Sekyeru has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural Business Initiative (aBi).
Many members may have heard of aBi without fully appreciating its scale. Established in 2010 through a partnership between the Governments of Uganda and Denmark, aBi has attracted support from development partners including USAID, SIDA, UKAid and KfW.
Its mission is to strengthen Uganda’s agricultural economy by investing in farmers, agribusinesses and financial institutions.
How aBi Delivers Its Mission
aBi’s Impact Since its establishment, aBi has supported more than one million farmers, contributed to hundreds of thousands of jobs and mobilised significant investment into Uganda’s agricultural economy.
As CEO, Rtn. Ddegeya now leads an institution positioned at the centre of Uganda’s food systems, rural livelihoods and agricultural transformation.
A Legacy of Trust in the Kingdom
Leadership Transitions at Weerinde Insurance
Leadership transitions are also taking place within Weerinde Insurance Brokerage Services Limited, one of the commercial enterprises associated with Buganda Kingdom.
Our President-Elect, Rtn. Ronnie Mutebi, has been appointed Board Chair, succeeding Rtn. Evelyn Kigozi Kahiigi, who provided leadership to the organisation for five years.
At the same time, Rtn. Rose Nakasi Kiire has been re-appointed as a Board Member, providing continuity and valuable institutional knowledge.
Adding another layer of significance, PDG Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, in his role as Second Deputy Katikkiro and Minister of Finance, provides strategic oversight for the Kingdom’s financial and commercial interests.
What Does Weerinde Actually Do?
Weerinde Insurance Brokerage Services operates under Buganda Investment and Commercial Undertakings Limited (BICUL), the Kingdom’s commercial investment arm.
Rather than selling insurance directly, Weerinde works as a professional insurance broker. It helps organisations assess their risks, identify suitable insurance cover and negotiate appropriate protection with insurance companies.
For an institution responsible for protecting valuable commercial assets, heritage properties and strategic investments, this role is both specialised and essential.
A Strong Kampala North Presence The appointments of PE Ronnie Mutebi and Rtn. Rose Nakasi Kiire, together with the strategic oversight provided by PDG Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, demonstrate the confidence placed in Kampala North members to steward institutions of significant cultural and commercial importance.
More Than Personal Success
These appointments represent far more than individual career milestones. They reflect the calibre of professionals within the Rotary Club of Kampala North—leaders entrusted with organisations that influence Uganda’s economic development, financial services and cultural heritage.
They also create new possibilities for community engagement, corporate partnerships and meaningful collaboration that could strengthen Kampala North’s service initiatives.
Leadership Beyond the Club When one of our members is called to lead, the achievement may be personal, but its influence can extend to the Club, the community and the country.
These appointments remind us that Rotary leadership does not end at fellowship. It continues in boardrooms, institutions and communities where our members live out the ideal of Service Above Self.