Mrs Betty Gwanyi from Pallisa and Mr. Kizza Ssebunya from Kampala became the first members to be recognised for their exemplary contribution to HEPS-Uganda.
Mrs Gwanyi was recognised for being “a committed, hardworking, selfless mobiliser for HEPS-Uganda”, while Mr Ssebunya was commended for his “commitment, hard work and innovation in the service of HEPS-Uganda”.
The two were handed certificates of recognition and tokens of appreciation by HEPS-Uganda Chairman, Rev. Can. John Tumwine Kateeba. This was during HEPS-Uganda’s 4th annual general meeting (AGM) held on 30th May 2009 at the National Theatre in Kampala.
The recognition is part of a HEPS-Uganda’s membership recruitment, involvement, recognition and development plan.
Developed in 2008, the plan lays out strategies for member recruitment; affirmative action, development and involvement of members in rural and urban areas in HEPS-Uganda activities; and motivation.
Mrs Gwanyi was nominated by HEPS-Uganda Community Outreach Officer (Pallisa) Mrs Prima Kazoora, while Mr Ssebunya was nominated by Assistant Programme Officer (Health Policy Advocacy) Mr Aaron Muhinda, following an earlier call for nominations made earlier by the secretariat.
During the AGM, Rev. Can. Kateeba told members the membership had increased by about 61 members since the last AGM.
The total membership stands at 101 individual paid-up members: 63 men and 38 women in and outside the focal districts. In addition, HEPS has 90 group members, of whom 30 are from Ogur Subcounty (Lira), and 60 from Kamuge and Budaka sub-counties in Budaka District.
The chairman welcomed the new members and thanked the old members for their commitment to the promotion of health rights in Uganda. “It is this commitment that has made HEPS grow this far,” he assured them.
