AN EVALUATION LIKE NO OTHER

Hope Kansiime, Vice President Education, Bukoto Toastmasters Club shares her experience at the recent Bukoto Toastmasters Club Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest held on 5th February 2019.

The Evaluation contest is an opportunity for Toastmasters members to test and sharpen their speech evaluation skills before many people. Basically, a number of contestants evaluate one prepared speech delivered on that day. 

I have always enjoyed evaluation, although others didn't appreciate it. Many people believe that feedback has to be critical-pointing out each and every flaw. They forget to package it with praise, thus leaving a bitter taste in the lives of those they evaluate. This causes people to shy away from receiving or requesting feedback,thus perpetuating the culture of negative, and sometimes humiliating feedback. I was therefore thrilled to join Toastmasters which thrives on evaluation that is affirming, sympathetic and motivational. When I heard about this contest last year, I knew that I had to be among the contestants.

I therefore prepared for the contest by looking up notes and videos of evaluation contestants online, and kept practicing.

Taking the risk,leaving it all on the floor

On the D day, I kept wondering if I would remember all that I had read. I was also anxious because I realized that with 6 people evaluating one speaker, it was difficult to say what others hadn't already said. When I walked into the room, I realized that whether I wanted it or not, the moment of truth had come. I saw the audience and it seemed as though the number had doubled. As I walked to the front, I quickly searched my mind to remember my presentation. Though, I had the notes in my hand, I never used them because I was worried that they would confuse me as they were too many. I decided to focus  on 6 points (an introduction, 2 points on what I liked  about  the speech, 3 points on what I thought could be improved and a conclusion where I encouraged  the speaker to go forth on her Toastmasters journey. At the beginning of my presentation, I couldn't locate where the guest speaker was seated. Before this could disorganize me, I recalled that one of the pointers I had read online encouraged me to not only look at the speaker but engage the rest of the audience with eye contact. This technique helped me to stay focused throughout my presentation. 

Accepting my certificate as winner of the Contest 

I gleaned a few lessons from this experience. One, it is important to note where the speaker is seated before moving out so that you focus on both the speaker and audience. I also learnt that while writing my notes, I should write them in the structure I will use instead of writing too many points which cannot fit in the 2-3 minutes given. I also learnt that in an evaluation contest, you do not only engage one's listening skills, but also one's analysis skills. I was thrilled to emerge the winner of the Evaluation Contest and I will go ahead to compete in the Area Toastmasters Evaluation Contest that will held at Naguru Skyz Hotel on 5th March 2019 at 6pm.

While evaluation is an everyday aspect of our Toastmasters meetings and our own lives, the preparation for a contest takes it a notch higher. The competition snaps you out of your comfort zone. There are some pointers I got through my preparation for this contest that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I encourage everyone to join Toastmasters as delivering evaluations often and with feedback from others, will impact all other areas of your life including your workplace, business, and home, among others.

Want to come see me fight for the title of Toastmasters Evaluation Champion in Uganda? Come join us on 5th March 2019!

THE CONTEST I SHALL LIVE TO REMEMBER !!!

Bukoto Toastmasters Club which meets at the prestigious Naguru Skyz Hotel,Naguru held its first Humorous Speech Contest on 5th February 2019. The Humorous contest, was to me, about enabling Toastmasters integrate humor into their public speaking.

Every adventure requires a first step

I was motivated to join the contest because of my competitive spirit and the thrill of participating in something totally different from the usual Toastmasters meeting. The contest was another way to push myself a bit more out of my comfort zone,exercise my creative writing, energy and a potential to win. Last but not least, I knew that it would be fun!

I was able to gather content for my speech by reviewing my personal life, assessing areas which could be hilarious.That's how I zeroed in on the subject of my experience with maths throughout school and how terrible I was at the subject. I rehearsed the speech in front of my workmates,the mirror and I shared my speech with some members of Bukoto Toastmasters Club (BTM) for feedback.

AT LAST! Jitters overcome and Victory attained!

The D-Day:I was excited about the likelihood of winning the contest.However, I also worried about losing my train of thought, particularly in front of the large audience that I had never faced before Toastmasters. Although first place was my goal, I was not disappointed at all given the quality of speeches we had that day, especially how great other speakers were. And as fate would have it, no sooner had I begun my speech, after 3 lines, than my mind went blank. I momentarily forgot the next lines which shattered my speech chronology. However,since I was in it for the long haul, I picked myself up and completed the speech. I was encouraged by the Contest Chair and Chief Judge to run the race. I also asked myself "What's the worst that could happen after this?" I knew I wouldn't win, but it was important to keep the momentum, challenge myself to the finish line. And for that, I am proud of myself. In case you're wondering,yes, I did get some chuckles from the audience.

I appreciate all the positive and motivational feedback I received after the contest. I feel excited about my future growth in public speaking within and outside Toastmasters. I view speech contests as another way of growing and learning. Win or lose, we become better people because we have crept out of our comfort zone and grown from the experience. We should all know when we compete, it is not about other competitors, it's about improving our skills.

I am looking forward to future contests including the Uganda Humorous Contest that will be held at Naguru Skyz Hotel on 5th March 2019 at 6:00pm. You wouldn't want to miss this one, the winners of the three previous club Humorous Speech contests battling it out to scoop the amazing title of the Most Humorous Ugandan Toastmaster! For only UGX 15,000. 

The winner will then compete with the most humorous Toastmasters across East Africa-Kenya,Tanzania,Rwanda and Ethiopia between 9th -12th May 2019 in Kampala, Uganda for the Title of the Most Humorous in East Africa! I'm saving those dates tooo. You should do the same.

Viola Nakiggwe

Member, Bukoto Toastmasters Club,Uganda

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