My Journey with Toastmasters.

As Jay Leno quipped, “I guess we’d rather be in the casket than delivering the eulogy”. The Book of Lists reports Public Speaking as one of people’s greatest fears, and unless you have a platform like Toastmasters where you can polish and familiarize yourself with speaking before an audience, some people die without overcoming that fear.

I officially joined Toastmasters in Uganda in September 2018,although I'd first heard about it from a close friend called Florence Katono in June 2017. I immediately picked interest because I am a storyteller, occasional writer, and a Public Relations practitioner. A platform that offered me an opportunity to overcome my anxiety every time I have to speak in public piqued my interest and and I just had to visit one Toastmasters Club.

When I first visited Bukoto Toastmasters Club last year, I had fairly great expectations from the meeting but I was mesmerized.The meeting was remarkable!

Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva,the President at that time, amazed me with her accentuation and pronunciation of words,grace and poise during her brief opening and welcome to the guests.I could not help but ponder "had Beverley mastered the whole dictionary?" With her opening,I immediately purposed to improve my grammar,if I had a shot at becoming even half as good as her.

Connie Nshemereirwe,the Vice President Education,Bukoto Toastmasters Club delivered an exceptionally descriptive speech.Doreen,the Toastmaster of the evening effectively applied the pause to keep the audience listening in.She had evidently prepared for the evening with poems,quotes and examples of how the evening's theme related to her life. 

I became a regular guest at the club and also visited other clubs before joining Toastmasters. The role execution and articulate presentations and speeches had me at every turn. Some people were actually confused as to whether I was a member or a guest because of my regular appearances. I was a guest who always invited other guests along because I wanted everyone to experience toastmasters first hand.

My confidence as a speaker has improved and so have my leadership skills. The day I joined Toastmasters, I was the best speaker during the Table topics session. In this session, one delivers an impromptu speech on any given topic. In the following meeting, I had a role to take on and that helped me practice my skills right away. Toastmasters can lead you from being a virtual non-speaker to a confident presenter, in an enjoyable way. You are constantly surrounded with a supportive system, there is room to err and learn, great feedback and above all, people who are passionate about seeing you grow in public speaking and leadership.

It took me a month to prepare for my Icebreaker speech, a few days to write it and endured a nerve wracking forty minutes in the meeting, awaiting feedback from my evaluator. Fortunately, it was excellent feedback. Toastmasters has helped me learn how to give feedback in life.We do not always have to focus on the negative-complement someone and thereafter cite the shortfalls that one should strive to improve. It boosts confidence and makes everyone open to accepting and incorporating feedback.

Toastmasters is a great place to learn but it requires passion to pave one's own way and blossom at one's own pace. I have therefore taken to getting comfortable with accepting challenging roles and most importantly having fun while at it-because fun makes learning fantastic.

You can visit any of the 5 Toastmasters Clubs in Uganda-Bukoto, Kampala,Muyenga, Ntinda and Lubowa and get first hand experience.

In fact, you can visit Ntinda Toastmasters Club this Thursday 13th December at 6:30pm at Greens and More African Restaurant (behind DFCU bank Ntinda). 

I cannot obviously fail to mention that Bukoto Toastmasters Club will meet next Tuesday 19th December at 6:30pm at Naguru Skyz Hotel.That should get you started.

Well,will you take the leap and try out a Toastmasters club near you? At a guest fee of only 5,000 shillings? Where's the harm in trying out something new?

Viola Nakiggwe

Member, Bukoto Toastmasters Club

IMAGINE A LIFE WITH NO LIMITS…..

Toastmasters and Guests pose for a photo after the 32nd Bukoto Toastmasters Meeting at Naguru Skyz Hotel

Bukoto Toastmasters Club organized its 32^nd meeting at Naguru Skyz Hotel on 2^nd October 2018.Toastmasters is a club whose mission is to empower individuals to become effective communicators and leadership through an educational program that is tailored to an individual's distinct needs.

Below is some of the feedback that the guests gave after the meeting:

“It was wonderful visiting your club. I reflected afterwards that most of what I saw was at a higher standard than what I am used to in the clubs I have visited in the US.I like high standards.”

I was sincerely mesmerized by the energy of the club .It superseded my expectations by far.”

“I was impressed with Bukoto’s detailed evaluators and role taker presentations. Visitors were given feedback forms which they fill before they leave. Well done BTM for a great meeting! I enjoyed the meeting and learnt a lot.”

"Thanks for the great hospitality and I look forward to more meetings. I enjoyed all the speeches and I hope that I will be as good.”

Maggie Mukiibi Lutwama astounds the audience.There are truly no limits!

Maggie Mukiibi Lutwama, Toastmaster of the evening emphasized that everyone has tremendous potential. That is an irrefutable fact! One only has to fight on, press forward, stretch, and will overcome any barrier. All insecurities in life are created by individuals, developed and fed in their minds. People have dreams and actually talk themselves out of these dreams. Maggie is a seasoned sales person with high repute in driving complex sales growth, marketing, management and consulting.

“Don’t wish for less problems and challenges, wish for more skills to tackle these challenges” she opined.

The meeting featured three speeches by Bukoto Toastmasters’ members. The first speech by Lydia Kobusinge illustrated the dynamics of teamwork in the speech titled Together, We are Brilliant. She commenced her speech with the quote “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”-Hellen Keller. She emphasized the key prerequisites of an effective team. One- the group of people involved has a common purpose and the other is interdependence among the members.

Lydia Kobusinge underscoring the tenets of teamwork

She stressed various tips to effectively manage a team such as guarding against having only few or only one of the team members shoulders the burden of the entire team. It creates resentment and dampens motivation of those active members. Furthermore, timely and proper delegation by the team leader is equally important, to prevent burnout!!! Most importantly, set aside your differences; focus on what needs to be done and do it first, you can argue later.

Her speech left the meeting reflecting on how well they are performing in their various teams: was anyone in the audience piggy banking on other people's accomplishments? Were others tiring themselves handling the bulk of assignments, because they felt that they were the only ones who knew what they are doing? Or were they conscientiously performing their duties to enable their teams succeed?

Lydia is the Vice President Public Relations Bukoto Toastmasters; an economist advancing citizens’ critical needs.

Joshua Ogwal explains the concept of Corporate Governance

Joshua Ogwal, an accomplished financial lawyer and member of Bukoto Toastmasters, enlightened the audience about how small enterprises can make their companies optimal. We were fortunate to glean financial advice for free. One of these ways is through employing corporate governance for small scale enterprises such as bakeries, farms, small scale partnerships, among others. He highlighted research by Enterprise Uganda that revealed that 1 out of 10 companies make it to their second year. One of the reasons for these dismal statistics is underestimating the importance of corporate governance. Imagine that! Most people assume that corporate governance is a concept that must be adhered to by large companies, which is far from the truth. He expounded on one key aspect of corporate governance that companies can incorporate, the need to establish control environments. I was personally able to jot down three ways in which small scale companies can establish this, one- establish key activities that the business thrives on and go on to select the appropriately experienced people to oversee those activities. Next, create and implement systems and policies in alignment with the company objectives. Thirdly, create a system of accountability across the organization through setting and monitoring individual performance targets within a given time frame. He left us pondering about whether we were incorporating these means in our small businesses. Have/are you dear reader employing these recommendations in your business? Is it thriving? There is no better forum rather than Toastmasters to provide an environment for benefiting from others’ expertise.

Catherine Opondo on Being A Stay At Home Mum in the 21st Century

Catherine Opondo, the Executive Director of Concern for the Girl Child and immediate past Treasurer, Bukoto Toastmasters Club presented her speech titled Choosing to be a Stay at Home Mum in the 21^st Century. Catherine relayed the thoughts that raced through her mind as she contemplated about her decision to resign from her job. What would she do with herself after the kids were gone? What would happen to the family if her husband lost his job? Where she would get the funds to meet her personal needs, if she chose to quit? A survey conducted between 1971-2013 by the Mothers’ Day Canada Statistics revealed that 6 out of 10 children in Canada were happiest at home in the presence of a stay-at-home mum. Those are many children.Two incidents triggered her resignation;when she fell asleep behind the wheel on the way to breastfeed her baby and when her house help nearly succeeded in kidnapping her baby. She does not regret this decision because her children gained emotional intelligence and emotional enrichment through home schooling, and she became a world class home manager with fantastic planning skills. Additionally,this experience groomed her for her current role as the Team leader of 20 people at Concern for the Girl Child. I must admit, no one has ever delineated the benefits of being a stay – at –home mother like that before. You will agree with me that parenthood causes you to carefully assess what you would prioritize for the sake of family.

I must at this point brag that the proprietor of Naguru Skyz Hotel and Kampala Protea Hotel who has generously provided free space for bimonthly meetings for Bukoto and Kampala Toastmasters Clubs respectively was present to listen in to these amazing speeches.Though we were all attentive, I believe that Toastmasters were secretly observing Mr. Bitature to gauge his reaction(not me ,of course)!

The audience including Naguru Skyz Hotel proprietor and Toastmasters champion, Patrick Bitature savoring the speeches

Catherine Opondo was voted the best speaker at this meeting.

In her conclusion, Maggie emphasized that being at the very top necessitates that one must open their minds to being criticized, evaluated, and stretched to the furthest levels to attain their ultimate goal. Do not shy away from challenges, they were meant to spur you to become the very best you can be.

This meeting, I daresay left a lot of room for self-reflection. This is the advantage that Toastmasters have over various public speaking platforms. It avails the opportunity to skillfully craft speeches & tales that not only amuse, awe, inspire or educate the listeners, but also enable the individual to demonstrate and sharpen their leadership and communication competencies.

Would you like to experience the ultimate Toastmaster experience within the Bukoto environs? Please join Bukoto Toastmasters for their monthly meetings every first Tuesday of the month and third Wednesday of the month.

Don’t miss the first Bukoto Toastmasters Speech Contest on 6^th November 2018 at 6:30pm at Naguru Skyz Hotel, Bukoto. It will feature meticulous prepared speeches and Table Topics speeches (impromptu speeches) ahead of the Project November Toastmaster contest in November. All this for only UGX 10,000!!! SEE YOU THERE!!

Lydia Kobusinge

Vice President Public Relations, Bukoto Toastmasters Club

ARE YOU WATERING YOUR OWN GRASS?

Toastmasters and Guests pose for a group photo after the 9th Ntinda Toastmasters Club meeting 

Ntinda Toastmasters Club, sponsored by Bukoto Toastmasters Club, convened its 9^th meeting on Thursday 13^th September 2018. 

The Toastmasters meeting was hosted by Lydia Kobusinge, Vice President Public Relations Bukoto Toastmasters Club and passionate about advocacy for the needs of vulnerable persons. She explained the meaning of the meeting theme "Water Your Own Grass" as focusing one's efforts towards improving their lives and whatever else they are responsible for.

It’s easy to look over at your neighbor's grass and see something you don’t have-a bigger house,a newer car,a “happier” marriage, better job with all the perks, better clothes, better social life and travel plans,among others.

sadly, however,as you look at other people’s grass, yours becomes browner by the minute, lifeless, ugly and before long you begin to wish for a new car(yet you just bought one), job, relationship, you name it.

“You’re listening to 101.1 FM Ntinda Toastmasters Club”, Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva’s opening to her advanced speech Hello Mr. DJ.She enthralled us with her tales of her experience running the morning show Masters of the Dawn between 6-10am on Power FM. She recounted how she,on a daily basis,brushed her teeth,polished her nails and engaged in other titivating endeavors; while simultaneously hosting the show. She soon gave up this habit after she hosted Keturah Kamugasa, the ever resplendent New Vision editor of the magazine, Bride and Groom and lead reporter of the Fashion Police. “Our bodies are the temple of the Lord”, she emphasized, and we must treat them as such. She was also fortunate to interview the actor John Amos, famous for the sitcom Good Times. Her job was not all rosy, for one thing, she had to sit through horrible musical performances as aspiring musicians sought to gain fame. The key highlight of her radio days was that her days were unconventional, that had her thinking “What will today bring?” Whatever you’re doing right now, make it your own; water your own grass, so to speak. She, for example, woke the entire Kampala as a master of the dawn-releasing beautiful lyrics through the air waves, offering relationship advice, you name it.

Beverley is the founding President, Bukoto Toastmasters Club and the current Public Relations Manager, East Africa Toastmasters Territorial Council. She is also a published author and the Founder, Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation that supports poetry across Africa.

Hope Kansiime, delivering her 2^nd Pathways speech Find the Gem informed the audience that there is a gem in every relationship, if you look really closely. She narrated her relationship with a dashing doctor who had that je ne sais quoi. He was her motivator and comforter;and she believed that she would marry him. Imagine her outrage when he admitted that he had been stringing her along because he had been in a distant relationship. All her anger, however, dissipated when she listed the “Lessons I learnt from Doctor”.She was astonished about what she had actually learnt from him. She hinted at three lessons this doctor impressed upon her:look beyond all stereotypes and seek to appreciate people as they are. Secondly, your character is continually evolving-let yourself grow and accept the changes that life throws at you. Lastly, you need to find something inside of you that inspires you, water that and let it flourish. Imagine, all these lessons from one relationship! Sort the gem from the rubble, yes, those bad relationships were not in vain! I bet you want to pull out that notebook. Hope is the Vice President Education, Bukoto Toastmasters Club and a Communications officer at the umbrella network of Civil Society Organizations advocating for effective education.

Finally,Dr. Juliet Nakku delivered her Pathways icebreaker speech I am Here for a Purpose to introduce herself to the Toastmasters and guests present. A near death experience that landed her in the intensive care unit jolted her into reflection on very serious questions. ”Who was she? What was she here on earth for? What should she be doing?” She has always been a leader, ranging from class monitor, to food prefect, and currently the President Elect of Uganda Psychiatrists Association. Joining Toastmasters, therefore is no surprise, as it is where leaders are made. With Toastmasters, she should be empowered to chart her future,inspire others and live a purposeful life. “Effort and courage without purpose is not enough”–John F. Kennedy. As she left the stage, she left us pondering “Do you know your purpose?” Dr. Juliet is a member of Ntinda Toastmasters Club, the deputy director of a large referral hospital and President Elect of the Uganda Psychiatrists Association.

Juliet Nakku emerged the better speaker in this meeting.

Lydia provided advice on how to water one’s grass-appreciate whatever you have and get to work! Do you want to be revered as an expert in your profession? Stay up late at night, wake up early, and take more professional risks. Do you want a svelte or muscular body? Eat those greens, exercise and drink lots of water!

In her conclusion, if you must look around at other people’s grass, ensure that your purpose is for inspiration (how can I do better)—not in place of tending to and appreciating what you already have. The grass is greener where you water it. Are you watering yours?

“You have exactly ONE life in which to do everything you’ll ever do. Act accordingly”-Colin Wright

Are you looking for a Toastmasters Club around Ntinda? Look no further than the Ntinda Toastmasters Club .You can follow the club on facebook at Ntinda Toastmasters Club.

WHERE IS YOUR ATTITUDE TAKING YOU?

Some of the feedback from the guests that attended the 29^th Bukoto Toastmasters meeting:

“I loved the warmth I received from the Toastmasters,this is a great space to be apart of.”

“I love the confidence and the knowledge exuded by the speakers and Toastmasters in their speech.”

“I have just finalized my Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, joining this club will be very critical in enabling me hone my communication and leadership skills.”

Teddy Kavuma,Toastmaster of the Evening

Bukoto Toastmasters Club organized its 29^th meeting at the Naguru Skyz Hotel on 4^th September 2018. Naguru Skyz Hotel offers a five star treatment, from offering a breathtaking ambience to internalize the exceptional speeches and relevant feedback, to providing a drink and bite of your choice after a long tiring day.

The meeting host, Teddy Kavuma is professional Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and one of Bukoto Toastmasters’ newest members. The evening’s theme was “Attitude: A Ball in Your Hands.” Her key message was that it is best to change our attitude, when we can change nothing else. Life is largely a series of things we cannot control, we can, however control the attitude we respond with.

Dorothy Okoboi delivers her speech during the meeting 

The meeting featured two speeches,one of which was Dorothy Okoboi's Pathways Icebreaker speech.This speech introduces the new Toastmaster to the rest of the Toastmasters. Dorothy is a bilingual marketer turned tour operator. Her speech titled A Journey of Many Firsts introduced Dorothy as the last born, thoroughly pampered by her family especially her father, a sub-county chief. Alas,her father's death and the ensuing trouble in starting all over again when her father's relatives helped themselves to his property. The story had a silver lining, though, because this experience bolstered her strength and grit. Furthermore, her dainty feet captivated her suitor, now her husband, and the rest is history. The guests and Toastmasters were moved by her distressing experience, but of course hastened to catch a glimpse of her dainty feet that brought her great happiness. Dainty feet can get you a happily ever after.Do you have dainty feet? If you do not , you must have some other distinct feature that is sure to attract attention, or already has.

Connie Nshemereirwe awes the audience with Every Day Magic

Connie Nshemereirwe, with Everyday Magic, wove the tale of a fast growing friendship with a couple that hosted her during her pursuit of her PhD fellowship in the Netherlands. This friendship, however, crumbled because Connie failed to call them to communicate a change of plans on the day of their previously scheduled get together.The hosts interpreted this as an evident manifestation of Connie's distrust in the bond that the three of them had struck over time."Why couldn't you pick up the phone and call?" they asked.It has been four years since Connie received that email that forever severed this relationship, and the guilt still lingers. You should have seen the disbelief on the meeting’s faces to learn that failure to effectively communicate can cost you a relationship this important.To each his own. Connie’s immense regret and the futility of undoing the past reminds me of the phrase “What’s Done is Done!” in William Shakespeare’s play-Macbeth. You cannot take it back, but you can move towards the future determined to learn from your past mistakes. Her parting shot was “If you encounter magic, embrace it, nurture it, trust it, because you may miss it.” What magic are you undervaluing?Connie is an independent Science and Policy Facilitator and the Toastmaster Area Director for Uganda.

In light of the exceptional speeches delivered, both speakers received Toastmasters lapels.

The Master Evaluator and the president of the Club, Jesse Ainebyoona stressed that altitude, not aptitude determines your altitude. Simply put, your attitude, not ability, determines how high you rise.

Would you like to become a Toastmaster? You can visit Bukoto Toastmasters Club every first Tuesday of the month and third Wednesday of the month. In fact, you can join us this September on Wednesday 19^th September 2018 at Naguru Skyz Hotel at 6:30pm. Bring a friend along.

Lydia Kobusinge
Vice President Public Relations, Bukoto Toastmasters Club

BUKOTO: YOU KNOW YOU WANT THIS!!!!!

Beverley Namboze Nsengiyunva ,Bukoto Toastmasters Founding President

Some foundations are borne from soggy and unsightly cement; layered between brick upon brick. These foundations, often strong, are built to create a formidable building that can weather harsh storms and intruders. Bukoto Toastmasters Club was borne from a vision of a diverse leadership future and buckets upon buckets of tears. In 2016, after joining Kampala Toastmasters, I represented the club in the Best of Toastmasters East Africa competition, which was held in Nairobi. The Uganda delegation that traveled with me were buoyant and jittery; great combination as a show of support.

While in Nairobi, I witnessed some of the most risqué, unforgettable and confident speakers I had ever met. Alongside this, we were surrounded by bountiful members of Toastmasters from the region. Kenya was overflowing with dozens of clubs and Rwanda too, boasted of a handful. Why was Uganda only represented by one club, then? Having begun in 2014, I knew it was time for Uganda’s only club, Kampala Toastmasters, full of vibrancy and potential, to start a new one. Returning to Kampala with my semi-finalist badge of honor from the highly competitive contest, I pondered over the twelve hour bus journey back home, about how to start a new club.

It was clear to me that there was need for another club. First of all, to accommodate the growing number of guests at Kampala Toastmasters but also to challenge ourselves to reach a higher potential and invest in other professionals through public speaking and leadership. That is how Bukoto Toastmasters Club was conceived. We often received comments from guests at Kampala Toastmasters Club, that there were a high number of interested members living in the Bukoto area. Following the advice from several leaders in the region, I knew that I had to identify a leadership team, a location for the new club and also drive the purpose eloquently and consistently. Connie Nshemereirwe, the only Advanced speaker in Uganda at the time, was my easy first pick. On explaining to her the importance of a new club as a sign of growth, as a new challenge to raise our potential and to also serve a new community of professionals, she agreed and joined as the Vice President of Education. Had I known that there were months of anguish and tears ahead from starting a new club, I would probably have let go and settled for the status quo. I’m not a status quo kind of woman, though and neither is Connie, so onward we went.

Alliance Françise offices, was our first venue of choice and before long, we called for our first meeting on November 1, 2016. Our initial executive committee was filled with friends and associates. Presiding over as the Founding President was daunting. I recall being handed the gavel and my first words: “Welcome to Bukoto Toastmasters Club’s first meeting.” Imagine that! I must have slammed the gavel on my thumb but I was numbed to the throbbing pain. There were over fifteen pairs of eyes following my every step. Over fifteen sets of ears listening to my every word; some of them waiting for a mishap so that they could say, “I told you so.” Sweaty palms and shaky voice aside, the meeting was filled with 90% of Kampala Toastmasters Club members. The overwhelming flight of stairs to the venue meeting place did not deter them from celebrating with us. They were our sponsors. A new club. It was worthwhile and they saw a magnificent future in it.

The meeting was unblemished. My Competent Communicator Project 6 entitled: Viva la Mexico, was amongst the speeches, alongside Irene Naikaali’s speech on leadership. It was pertinent that I won first prize. It gave the necessary boost of morale to this new venture. That however, was, the easy part.

I cannot recall how many times Connie and I had to shuffle the Executive Committee. Some of the initial members remained clueless even after six months of duty, leaving us to commit to the bulk of this unappreciated role. And then, despite our relentless advertising and near begging to the public to become a part of the membership, it was not until a year after, that we finally chartered to become a recognized club under the number 06633885. My WhatsApp was my place of fortitude. I remember sending daily messages to each guest, to relatives and acquaintances about this new public speaking and leadership space that was opening. And that as the Founding President, it would be a club like no other. For a minimal fee, their lives would change forever, their marriages would improve and their work places would become more fun that they had ever been. It was all about pulling tricks out of a hat and we finally received the numbers necessary to charter our club. Before that though, was the grueling process of chartering. With a copious amount of paper work, sifting through membership forms, bank registration forms and a new constitution, my head became giddy with the enormity of the chore.

It was on a Sunday afternoon, when I sent a boda-boda transport man to assist with completing this lofty chore. He was one of the convenient transport messengers I used to deliver documents for my work, when I was in need of a timely service. I called the boda-boda man, who arrived promptly on his motorbike at my home. I placed into his hands a large envelope with the Toastmasters Constitution and a dozen other forms for the Executive Committee to sign. He dutifully visited every home of each committee member, made them sign the documents and returned each form to me, meticulously. The Monday after that memorable Sunday, Bukoto Toastmasters was officially chartered with our number, 06633885. The victory didn’t end there. Patrick Bitature, on hearing of this new club, offered us a free venue at his new plush hotel, Skyz Hotel, just in the Bukoto/Naguru area. To say that the tears were worth it, is an understatement.

Would I do it again? Well, out of that revitalized energy, I also began the process of Ntinda Toastmasters Cub, a new club being sponsored by Bukoto. Ntinda meets every second Thursday at Eureka Place and are well on their way to chartering.

Bukoto’s birth story never gets old. I’m honoured to be associated with the steadfast team of this club of impeccable standards. In April this year, I was elected to the position of Public Relations Manager of the entire East Africa Council of Toastmasters. This was only possible because of Bukoto. Thank you! Wanyala! Gracias!

Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva CC, CL

Founding President of Bukoto Toastmasters Club

Public Relations Manager, Territorial Council 114

HAVE YOU TAKEN THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED?

Bukoto Toastmasters Uganda organized the first ever theme tailored meeting where all speeches were tagged to the theme: The Road Less Traveled. Bukoto Toastmasters is the second chartered Toastmaster Club in Uganda providing a platform for those committed to improving their public speaking, leadership and mentorship skills, among others through a carefully crafted tailored pathway. This 28th meeting was hosted by Lydia Kobusinge, the current Vice President Public Relations,Bukoto Toastmasters Club and an economist with passion for advocating for the rights of marginalized persons. The meeting sought to expound on the concept of taking the riskier route, daring to be non-conformist, and the rewards thereafter.

Guests and Toastmasters during the Toastmasters meeting held on 15th August 2018 at Naguru Skyz Hotel

Lydia explained that this theme was derived from the poem: The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. She drew our attention to the parting words in the poem, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

The meeting had four speeches that sought to expound on this theme. Rosalie Olunloyo narrated her story of leaving the United Kingdom, her home to travel the world and help others across the world. Her reflection twelve years later revealed on an unprepared journey that has shaped her life immensely. Her speech titled “My Journey, As Me” signified that change brings with it new and exciting experiences, if you will only let go of fear and let life charter you on this new path. Rosalie is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and one of the newest members of Bukoto Toastmasters.

Christine Monne’s speech titled “A Peep into Christine's Journal” gave us a sneak peek into her journal as a special girl born after four boys and earning the name “Aya” in the 21^st Century. Christine is a hospitality and customer solutions expert; and the immediate past Sergeant at Arms for Bukoto Toastmasters Club. She also described her enrollment in boarding school at six years of age because her widowed mother had to solely care for 6 children. Her speech reminded us that change is sometimes foisted on us by circumstances outside our control, but we must flow with the tide. What did she learn from this experience? She learnt how to plan, budget, take care of her personal property, pay attention to detail, cook the most fabulous delicacies. Take a look at all your experiences, there is something to learn and that you can be thankful for, if you just pay attention. Her chief advice was for everyone to keep a journal, to enable themselves reflect on their experiences and choices and become the best person they can be.

Jesse Ainebyoona gestures during his speech "The Road less Traveled"

Jesse Ainebyoona, a motivational and leadership trainer and Bukoto Toastmasters current President followed with the speech “The Road Less Traveled”. He beguiled us with his account of his journey through his first business as a soap entrepreneur while studying mechanical engineering, his craving to have a soft cushioning job after 3 years and the perks that came with it. He succeeded in acquiring a job to fit in, only to find it boring and having to spread his wings and quit his job in 2016. His parting words were “Cultivate what is within you, your passion, what is within you”. Do what makes your heart sing and dance. A powerful quote comes to mind: “Security is mostly a superstition. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” — Helen Keller.

Catherine Opondo shared her story in "Choosing to Be a Stay at Home Mum in the 21st Century". Catherine is an Executive Director Concern for the Girl Child and passionate about empowering the lives of young lives and women. She is also the immediate past Treasurer for Bukoto Toastmasters. This decision stemmed from the shocking experience of having her former nanny’s attempt to steal her child that jolted her to the reality of needing to give up her job for the sake of her children's safety. Being a stay at home mum is often associated with mothers with little education, having many children,among others. However, the safety and well-being of one’s children is paramount. It is a tall order, isn’t it in the 21^st century-would you do the same? It requires internal reflection, wouldn’t you say?

Finally, the highlight of the evening-a Question and Answer Session with Manuela Pacutho Mulondo!! A marketing professional and founder and CEO of The Cradle, Uganda's first 24-hour childcare center designed for the workplace and a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow. She shared how a friend approached her to deliver a pre-note address before President Barack Obama’s speech to council leaders in South Africa in 2018.This was because her work with providing child care services and promoting gender equality in the workplace has earned her massive recognition.

You should have seen the awe on the participants' faces as she spoke about how she had managed to meet and deliver that pre-note address. Her key message was, the road less taken is one of the loneliest roads-no one in sight at the beginning, you meet a friend here and there as you move along. There are times when the people you have met on this risky road will return to the road more travelled, which is disappointing, but you must persevere. The road less travelled illuminates who one is, tough, a visionary, persistent and in the end triumphant.

Manuela Pacutho Mulondo(right) emphasizes a point during the Q& A session.Left is Beverly Nambozo Nsengiyunva,session moderator

The session did re-echo a quote by Jimmy Carter -“Go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.”

Catherine Opondo emerged the better speaker and Manuela Pacutho Mulondo awarded an honorary BTM lapel pin with the promise to join Toastmasters as soon as possible.

Would you like to join a Toastmasters Club? Are you eager to experience and watch yourself grow with the Pathways Toastmaster Experience? For inquiries, email bukototoastmastersclub@gmail.com and follow us on twitter @BukotoTM1 and Facebook- Bukoto Toastmasters Club for more details.

By Lydia Kobusinge

NOTHING CHANGES IF NOTHING CHANGES BY LYNDA NABAYIINDA

I hate it! I hate it!! I hate it! Something needs to be done about it. It seemed insignificant when I was young, but now I am grown up, it makes a lot of sense, it is very significant and unless something is done, I am afraid it might be irreversible. 

I remember quite vividly a number of years ago as we travelled to the village for end of year holiday, the scenery on our way was magical and indelible. You see, our village is within the mabira forest. oh yes! A 300 square meter rainforest!  The canopies of the huge, towering and wide tree trunks on either side of the road would literally meet and entwine creating a dark silhouette on the entire highway stretch of the forest requiring drivers to turn on their overhead lights during the day; the windscreen of the car would form a film of mist due to the drop in temperature. The cool breeze and fresh air married with the countless songs of the birds in trees was always amazing. 

Have any of you have passed through the Mabira forest on their way to Jinja?

One will realize that none of the scenic descriptions I have mentioned still exist apart from the few roadside trees creating a false illusion that indeed we boast of a natural rainforest. The canopies of the trees no longer meet, the sun rays filter through to the passersby on the road, and the breeze isn’t that cool anymore and no more mist on our car windscreens. What a sad state of affairs and not only in the Mabira forest but in all other forests as well.

This is a result of massive deforestation in all natural forests in Uganda for timber but predominantly for wood fuel; charcoal and firewood which are a common source of cooking energy in Uganda.

In a survey carried out at Airtel Uganda 2018, 9 out of every 10 households use charcoal as a source of cooking energy. By using charcoal, we increase the deforestation. We reduce and exhaust the benefits we would otherwise get from the forests, such as food, medicine and negatively affect livelihoods for people around the globe. Deforestation causes loss of biodiversity as tropical forests are home to many different & unique species of plants and animals which attract lots of tourists to Uganda, keeping in mind that tourism is the number one source of export in Uganda. Without their home, most plants and animals become extinct. The impacts of deforestation are more visibly noticed with erratic climate change, irregular rainfall patterns reducing farmers yields hence causing famine, soil erosion causing mud slides, in addition, burning organic materials such as trees on a large scale, emits undesirable gases, which contribute to global climate change. It is estimated that 25% of the world’s total greenhouse gas production comes from deforestation alone.

The UBOS Statistical report 2016 shows that Forest cover reduced significantly by more than a quarter between 2005 and 2010. Globally, every year 46-58 thousand square miles of forest are lost to deforestation, which is equivalent to an astounding 48 football fields of forests disappearing every minute.

Uganda’s overdependence on charcoal means the country is heading for an energy crisis. Take an example of Samanya  a resident of Nakasongola, father of four; he knows the danger that comes with charcoal burning though he cannot give it up because he does not have an alternative source of income to put his children in school. It’s his bread and butter and so he is caught between a rock and a hard place. Samanya’s story is just like the rest of the consumers of charcoal. Due to high electricity tariffs and expensive alternatives of cooking energy, we the consumers, especially urban dwellers are fueling the charcoal industry. I am afraid by the time action is taken; irreversible destruction of the existing forest cover may have taken place.

Knowing the cause and effect is one thing. Getting a solution is another. What can we do?

3 years ago I discovered solar stoves locally known as sigiris that are manufactured in Uganda by the Eco group company. Energy stored form the sun is used to heat the volcanic stones that replace the charcoal bricks creating the heat for cooking. The stove is multi-purpose; can light the home, charge phones, play inbuilt FM Radios and can also be used for ironing. It is Important to note that there is no dirt while using this stove, no gas emissions and it conserves heat for a longer time than the ordinary charcoal stove.  In addition, the beauty of the volcanic stones is they are durable; replaceable after 1-2 years depending on usage.

At the current price of a charcoal bag, 6 bags of charcoal equate to the cost of 1double plate solar stove. I urge each one of us today to purpose to buy the Uganda Eco stove and encourage just 2 people in our family to do the same plus purchase one more and donate it someone in the village and let’s see the ripple effect of re-creating our green country- The pearl of Africa.

 “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead, American Anthropologist.

Nothing changes if nothing changes.