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.

BOTEA2017-CC2 Speech by Viola Lutara

BOTEA 2017

It has been said that many people miss to seize opportunity because “it knocks on the door dressed in overalls and gum boots”, therefore it looks like work.

The opportunity to join Toastmasters presented itself on 10th march when my friend invited me for meeting where she was presenting her maiden speech at a club that trains ordinary people to become extraordinary leaders and normal everyday speakers to excellent communicators.

Once I got there I realized that this is what I had been looking for all along to improve my skills. As I continued attending the meetings I got to know that there was to be a regional speech contest in a few months’ time. This was called “The best of toastmasters east Africa” (BOTEA) and it was slated to take place in Kigali, Rwanda from the 23rd to 24th June.

There and then I made up my mind that I needed to be in Kigali for BOTEA in whatever capacity!

Photo by Serukwaya. Viola Lutara on right, Christine Nabiryo on left.

My experience from BOTEA taught me three things:

1. You should not fear to venture into new things because you never know what you can do till you try it out. (It is only those who get out of the boat who walk on water)

Most of the speakers told us about how they overcame the trepidation of public speaking and venturing into the competitions. They narrated to us the journey they went through to become winners in their spheres of influence. How the once shy people became eloquent speakers with verve, charisma, charm and wit.

While others were calm, cool and collected…others were loud and boisterous and others engaged in theatricals.

We were encouraged to “face our giants”

2.  As a country, we Ugandans need to pull up or socks in all areas of life and also open up more Toastmasters and Gavel Clubs in our colleges and Universities if we are to compete favorably with the rest of the region.

Out of a total of 34 competitors there were only five (5) Ugandans. Therefore, we were out competed though our speakers represented us ably.

The first round of speeches was held in three different rooms with 11 competitors each. For purposes of transparency each of them picked a ballot paper to determine the order in which they would speak.

4 contestants were then picked from each of the three rooms and 12 members went into the second round.

I am glad to report that though we were outnumbered 2 of our very own out of the 5 made it to the second round.

After another round of engaging speeches 2 Kenyans and 3 Rwandans made it to the finals…unfortunately none of them being a Ugandan.

The finalists were then required to give impromptu speeches on a topic which they had not prepared for…

“The joys of a pit latrine” …. while some speakers grasped it and nailed the topic on the head…. others were totally caught off guard and lost.

At the end of the day Kenya took the first and second positions while Rwanda took the third.

3. There is hope for Africa in the young people.

Apart from the toastmaster’s competitors we also witnessed the finals of the Gavel Club competitions. Gavel clubs are those ones in High schools and Universities. A total of 5 finalists wowed us with Stellar speeches ranging from …. humanity….to love….and death.

They took our emotions on a roller coaster. Up and down.

One moment we were laughing and the next we were crying…

We went from joy to sadness and back.

They were passionate…they were prepared and informed…

The topics were engaging…. the diction rich and the gramma could not be faulted.

At the end of it all they got a standing ovation.

To me…. this was the highlight of the event.

The competitions ended after a total of 52 speeches had been presented. Each participant had the opportunity of listening to over 40 stellar speeches presented by people of all ages and backgrounds.

What these people had in common was that they “stepped out of the boat” and:” faced their giants”

Are you willing to face yours?

The other Countries have very many Toastmasters and Gavel clubs thus were able to field in more speakers…. are we ready to be the champions and sponsors of more clubs and to invite and encourage more people to join toastmasters?

Are we ready to mentor and invest in the young people?

This speech by Viola Lutara, who is an executive committee member of Kampala Toastmasters Club, was delivered at Bukoto Toastmasters Club. We meet every first Tuesday of the month at Alliance Francaise, from 6pm. (Soon locating to our new premises).
Follow us on Twitter @BukotoTM1.