My love affair with Nature

                        Picture from Google images

George Sands, a French Novelist said, “There is only one true feeling of happiness in this life, to love and to be loved”  But; The thought of devoting your entire life, time and feelings to someone or something other than yourself in the name of love can be daunting. It usually takes time to find that someone or something that you love and expect to love you back and yet when you finally do, you never wish to let go.

It is said that true love is all about sacrifice and compromise and never do you receive it on a silver platter. You need to work „smart‟ to attract it in your life and not hard as many believe. It also calls for emotional strength to be able to absorb the love shocks that are part of this beautiful puzzle while continuing to radiant those love sparks inside of you. Not long ago, I embarked on a personal journey of self discovery, to understand what I really needed to build those emotional muscles that would truly define Irene as the true icon of love and peace! Just as my name suggests! On this beautiful, rewarding journey, I fell in love with Nature! My silent yet eloquent teacher, comforter and strength! Friends, if you have ever undergone any form of spiritual transformation, you will agree with me that a time comes when anything else in life doesn‟t matter and all you long for is unconditional love, acceptance, peace, joy and happiness.
During such moments, you seize control of anything that disrupts your peace and simply relax and go with the natural flow of your life. This is how I feel each time I commune with nature. There is no greater teacher on earth that compares to nature. Take an example of trees; I have always known my entire life that trees hold a special place in my heart though couldnt figure out exactly why until I clocked 35 years.
Trees grow in silence and under normal circumstances will with stand all seasons of life by simply remaining flexible and adaptive to the environment. Trees like the African Teak tree commonly known as muvule” have extensive root systems and can grow hundreds of feet deep down into the ground to reach the source of water and grow higher and stronger to touch the sky. This lesson has had a lasting impact in my family, work and social relationships. My ability to love and feel loved is strongly dependant on my value system and how solid my principles are. I have come to realize that I cannot give what I don‟t possess. The amount of love I receive is commensurate to what I offer out to the universe, nothing more, and nothing less! It all starts with me.

Picture from Google images

And so, to ensure that my love tank is always full and overflowing, I occasionally escape away from the rat race of life and seek solitude in nature. Am always reminded that nature doesn't need me to pencil her in for an appointment. It is always available to talk and listen to me. I simply have to possess the will to listen.
I could go on and on about my new found love but one of the biggest takeaways from my love affair with nature is that she has given me more comfort and clarity in life than any human ever has. Trees speak volumes without uttering a single word and if you are not the outdoor person, I will echo the words of Albert Einstein who said, “Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.
Ice Breaker Speech by  Irene Ssentongo (Kampala Toastmasters Club President)

RECAP OF THE HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST

By Brenda Asiimwe

The much anticipated for speech Contest on 13^th July lived up to the hype and could be reflected by the thunderous applauses that echoed through walls of Protea Hotel Kampala. This was despite the Toastmaster’s unheeded pleas not to clap until all the speeches were done. The idea was to avoid influencing the judges’ decisions.

Each of the six contestants delivered monologues Oscar worthy leaving the packed room of people yearning for more.  This is not a biased report because I am Toastmaster myself (it was good) but also from the sentiments of a couple of friends I dragged to the event.

The contest opened with a brief speech by the club President Irene Naikaali highlighting what Toastmasters advocates for and how it contributes to individual growth of members.  This was followed by the Toastmaster of the evening’s introduction of the role takers who in this case were; contestants, Judges, timekeepers, ballot counters among others.

The Toastmaster of the Evening Mrs. Norah Matovu Winyi sharing rules of the contest

First on stage was Ronnie Habasa with his speech titled “Black is beautiful”. He alluded to the myths that have floated around over the centuries that people of lighter skin complexion are considered more appealing compared to the darker toned. This he emphasized with a tale of how some women have taken the myth literally that they have had to bleach their skin. Ronnie narrated of how he met a former high school classmate who formerly was of dark skin but has since turned a lighter save for high lights of the knuckles that resisted the heat of the bleaching cream. He concluded with a call to embrace the darkness (of the skin) after all “Black don’t crack.”

Jesse Ainebyoona took the audience back to High School with his attire as he donned grey khaki shorts in which he tucked a short sleeved white shirt with a green stripped tie draped on top. His speech was titled “socialize but do not specialize” narrating a tale of how being a relationship in high school almost cost him his education. His message was not to awaken love that one is not ready for or the consequences will not be pleasant.

Richard Ssebagala drew curious looks as he took the stage with a flower tucked under his left ear and rang off with “I am promiscuous”. That line had every one inch closer as we waited for the next line to get where the story was going. The passion, humour and energy with which he described plants and gardening was infectious. Personification of each of the flowers made the speech edgy, different and interesting.  Who knew that plants and flowers can be a fun topic of discussion !!!!!. You only find this at Toastmasters.

Gilbert Rutebemberwa (former Kampala Toastmasters President) had props. He spent the first minute arranging a baby doll, feeding bottle and a beer bottle on a table. His speech was about the contradictions of life, Titled “the negation of the negation”. He cited an example of how as a child, parents celebrate a baby’s steps and movement but when one grows older say at teenage level they are not allowed to “move” without seeking permission and often it is denied. Whatever happened to celebrating movement. Gilbert’s speech made us look at life from a different lenses and how it’s so contradictory.

Gilbert Rutebemberwa one of the contestants during his speech  titled" the negation of the negation"

Audience during one of the speeches

Then came Paul Kavuma with the Ugandan boda boda (motorcycle) tales. This was such a hit because everyone who lives in this country has had share of the cyclists’ unconventional ways of doing business. Kavuma’s speech was titled “They petrify me”. He straight delved into how the cyclists seem to have their own set of rules while on the road which makes them a danger to other travelers using other means. Say walking or driving cars. He cited three things; they have no safety principles, zero curtesy for passengers and always seem to know more than they should which is scary if you are the person in question.

The last person to grace the stage was also a special guest and reigning East Africa Toastmasters champion  Bob Othiende from Kenya. The 8-foot gentleman towered the room and it wasn’t a surprise that his speech was about challenges faced by people of a certain height. His speech was titled “tall order”.  Bob narrated his ordeal from his high school days when he would be the center of heckling because of his height and how hotel bath tubs don’t cater for people of his kind. This was coupled with jokes about how tall people have the same digestion process as other human beings. “When we drink milk it doesn’t go bad before it reaches the stomach.”

Speech after another left the audience in awe of the speakers’ talents and courage. I bet no one envied the judges’ chair because it was a tough call. Bob Othiende emerged winner followed by Paul Kavuma and then Richard Ssebagala.

If you attended the event, what were your thoughts!!!! 

It will be great to hear your feedback

New KTM President Pledges Diversity in Meetings

Kampala Toastmasters Club (KTM) recently ushered in its new club leadership for the year 2018-2019. This was after a voting session that lasted under 30 minutes. Contestants were nominated by the club members and elections were thereafter conducted by Toastmaster Linda Nabayinda (Club President 2016-2017). 

The Presidency was garnered by Irene Naikaali who was unopposed.  In her acceptance speech, she pledged to bring diversity into meetings by introducing theme nights and doing business unusual to help members achieve their full potential.

The new KTM Club Leadership

“We are going to have fun as we learn, grow and become the best we can be.” She pointed out.

She also promised to serve members and make Kampala Toastmasters Club the first choice provider of dynamic, high value, experiential communication, and leadership skills development in Uganda.

Naikaali requested KTM members to create a culture where they all take personal responsibility in achieving the club’s goals and mission.

“Each one of you has a personal ambition that drove you to subscribe to Toastmasters, we are going to work this out together and create space for all of us to be inspired and achieve our individual goals while also growing the club.” She said.

She also highlighted the fact that Uganda will be hosting the Best of Toastmasters East Africa (BOTEA) 2019 and implored members to ensure a win for Uganda.

Other elected members included:  Treasurer- Viola Lutara, Sergeant At Arms- Jacky Kayaga, Secretary- Sandra Nakandi, Vice President Education- Richard Ssebaggala, Vice President Membership- Sanyu Nkinzi and Ronnie Habasa as Vice President Public Relations.  

Celebrating Women Leaders at Kampala Toastmaster Club - Sophie Nampewo Njuba

Sophie Nampewo Njuba:

Sophie is an economist by profession.  She is currently working as a Budget Policy Specialist with the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG).

Sophie joined Toastmasters hungry for a need to sharpen her public speaking skills. Today, she boasts of the benefits of being a Toastmaster.

This is her Toastmasters Journey:

The need to get over my fear of public speaking drove me to join Toastmasters in June 2016.

Today, I am confident to say that I can address a gathering, crowd or group of people without hesitation.

Toastmasters has also given me an opportunity to exercise my leadership skills. I am currently the Vice President Membership (VPM) for the newly formed Ntinda Toastmasters Club. The VP- Membership on-boards new members to the club.

Toastmasters is also helping me polish my English. I am cautiously managing to let go of pause fillers which were a common part of my speech. Pause fillers are meaningless words, phrases or sounds that mark a pause or hesitation in speech. Some of the common filler words include; you know, um, uh, er, ah, like, okay and okay.

Above all, Toastmasters is helping me build my confidence in public speaking and has taught me the need to prepare for all my speeches. It has also presented me to a network of people who are from all spheres of life hence improving my networking skills.

As we conclude the Women's week, we as women need to conquer our fears by facing them, and it starts now. Not tomorrow, not today but NOW.

Celebrating Women Leaders at Kampala Toastmaster Club - Linda Nabayinda (Club President 2016-2017)

My name is Linda Nabayinda – Kampala Toastmasters (KTM) Club President 2016-2017.

I joined Kampala Toastmasters Club (KTM) in August 2015 after receiving an email invite. All I wanted was to improve my public speaking because I realised the lack of good public speaking was a limitation to my career growth but the benefits of my decision are more than I bargained for.

To date, I tap myself on the shoulder for the decision I made two and a half years ago. Toastmasters has enabled me grow into a leader. I was privileged to serve as The Club President 2016-2017 and as the Vice President Public Relations 2015-2016.

During my tenure, the club membership grew by 25%. I also organised the team to participate in the Best of East Africa Speech Contest in Nairobi where we got semi-finalists from Uganda in both incidences while I was Vice President Public Relations and also while the Club President.

My former Managing Director with this awestruck expression said to me, “You have become a good communicator.” To me, that was an indication that my objective of joining Toastmasters was being met. Hearing those words from someone I held with high esteem boosted my self-confidence and also  translated into amazing results at work.

I have also learnt lots of great stuff from a team of like-minded people that value personal development. For example; I have been invited as guest speaker for events outside the Club and through Toastmasters I got a Mentor for a book I am currently writing.

My parting shot is from the famous Maya Angelou, “People can forget what you said, people can forget what you did but people can never forget how you made them feel.”  Bottom line is, always leave a good impact when you interact with everyone, make at least one person happy everyday.

Thanks Toastmasters.

Celebrating Women Leaders at Kampala Toastmaster Club - Dr Connie Nshemereirwe

Dr. Connie Nshemereirwe holds an Advanced Leader Bronze, an award given to Toastmasters that have completed a series of Toastmasters programs. With steady progress, she will be the first member in Uganda to become a Distinguished Toastmaster - the highest level one can get in Toastmasters as a Speaker and Leader. 

Dr Connie is a Civil Engineer turned Educator, a former Lecturer at the Uganda Martyrs University in Nkozi and currently working with Cavendish University. Despite all her educational accomplishments, Dr. Connie is described as young, vibrant, ever-smiling, jolly and an amiable lady.

This is her Toastmasters Journey.

I joined Toastmasters in October 2012 while in the Netherlands where I was pursuing my PhD. My first club was Twente Toastmasters where I was a member for two years. While at Twente Toastmasters Club, I completed my Competent Communications (CC) and Competent leadership (CL) Programs- A CC and CL is a program club members take on to become better leaders and communicators.

When I came back to Uganda I immediately joined the Kampala Toastmasters club. Toastmasters offers its members an opportunity to carry out practical leadership projects and as part of my advanced Leadership progress, I established the Nkozi Gavel Club (Gavel clubs are a way of providing the Toastmasters experience to groups who may be ineligible for regular membership due to age, inability to pay dues or other circumstances (https://www.toastmasters.org/membership/how-to-start-a-new-club/gavel-clubs) ) . As a club mentor, I also helped in the establishment of the Bukoto Toastmasters Club which meets at Skyz Hotel in Naguru. I am currently a member of the Bukoto Toastmasters Club where I am Vice President – Education.

As an educator, being a Toastmaster the last 5 and a half years has led to a lot of benefits, chief among which is improving my confidence in speaking both in prepared and impromptu situations. I have also had the opportunity to mentor many aspiring speakers as well as be mentored by many inspirational speakers and leaders.

Currently, I am on track to complete my advanced speaker bronze by June- this is the second level out of four needed to become a Distinguished Toastmaster- the highest distinction a Toastmaster can achieve. I will also achieve an Advanced Leader Silver by end of June and this is the last of three stages on the Leadership Track of Toastmasters.

All in all, I believe that Fortune favours the Bold but the bold should be prepared for the opportunities that present themselves, and improving one’s public speaking and leadership skills is an invaluable investment in oneself.

My message: Don’t be shy, take up those opportunities that will make you raise above the ordinary.

The Pleaser

ToastMasters Competent Communications Series 

Project 1 - The Ice Breaker Speech - by Tattu Nakanjako Tamale

Speech Title - THE PLEASER

You want it... if I have it or know where to get it... then I will give it to you!

5 years ago that was my anthem, I fought to please anyone and everyone, be it friends, family, workmates and even strangers. I didn’t care if I was happy as long as someone else thought I was good and entirely reliable. A good friend of mine Stella Katana (May her Soul Rest in Peace) once told me “Tattu, your biggest weakness is that you live to please others at your own expense”. I came to believe her years after her passing.

With family I strived to stand out, the one every person could run to for help whether financial or emotional support. I have five siblings and being the middle child, I strived to be the best, the one who lived to please others especially my parents. I ended up becoming a lawyer, a profession my father worshipped and always wished one of his children would pursue. My first brother ventured into tourism, my second brother became an architect and so I felt it was up to me to grant my father’s wish to have a lawyer in the family. I didn’t want to be a lawyer but I went through 4 years at Makerere Law School and one extremely draining year at Law Development Centre just to please my father. This, I believe explains why later in life I ended up working for National Planning Authority an organization whose main function is far from legal practice and why I ventured into a Master’s Programme in Business Administration rather than a Master of Laws.

At school I did what pleased my friends, I didn’t think twice to do anything as long as I felt that it would please a friend of mine, this got me into trouble a couple of times. I was in a Catholic school where you would be excused for committing any offense other than blasphemy! This was St. Joseph’s SSS Naggalama for my O’Level. We had crucifixes above each blackboard in every classroom, and one day, someone, I do not know to date, turned it upside down. I want you to imagine Jesus Christ on a cross facing upside down in a Catholic school! Everyone thought it was funny and I thought I would make it more fun, so I, the people pleaser gets chalk, I stand on a table and I write below the turned crucifix WE STRIVE FOR ‘SOLIDAR’ (am sure most of us here know the meaning of Solidar, you know, unity among a group/class of people).

What followed after that day, on top of receiving an unknown number of lashes, our entire class was cursed by the school Chaplain, I remember this moment vividly because it was end of third term and during the end of term mass as he was giving his final blessing this is what he said: “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, and to the class that turned the crucifix upside down, may you go home haunted, tormented and unsettled”. Two students were expelled that year for that incident and up to now, I do not know how I survived. This should have been my turning point but I didn’t take it.

University was not different, I moved into Africa Hall at Makerere University which had a different breed of people. For some reason, this Hall was reserved for ladies from Gayaza, Namagunga or Nabisunsa and I don’t know how I ended up there from Kawempe Muslim School were I completed my A ‘Level (That year we were only 2 students from Kawempe and the like schools to reside in that Hall). Now, these were a hard breed of people to please, they were more focused on their images, aura, how they carried themselves and the fellowships. I sought company from the neighbors at Mary Stuart where most of my former classmates resided and I embarked on a pleasing journey. I did everything you can think of a campus girl would do just to please other people.

My personal relationships were worse, I did what the other person wanted and not once did I do things for me, it was all about the happiness of someone else. I was miserable, the low self-esteem was eating me up. And then gradually I started realizing that all these people I fought to please didn’t make any effort to do the same for me, they just waited on me to please. It had to STOP!

Through a long process more like getting over an addiction I stopped being the pleaser. I lost so many friends in the long run but those that were genuine stayed (and if they had not come today they wouldn’t matter anymore), some family members became bitter because I was not gullible anymore but I don’t regret it. I was finally free.

Currently, I am considerate to myself, I do things only after weighing the benefits for me, I travel more whether with family or friends or even alone. I am building lasting and healthy relationships where I am a priority, I am more happy and confident.

And now, am here not to please any of you, but to please myself.

Tattu Nakanjako Tamale

Toastmaster and Lawyer