It takes a great deal of financial selflessness and dedication to volunteer with St John Ambulance, an association best known for providing emergency medical services.
Over the weekend, Sir Gordon Wavamunno handed over the organizational leadership to Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire after 15 years at the helm. As SAMUEL MUHINDO writes, St John Ambulance’s scope of influence goes far beyond the charisma of its members.
Friday, June 24 had All Saints Cathedral Nakasero shining brightly. It was a momentous occasion but unlike the usual religious ceremonies, this was a special transition of authority. Hundreds filled up the cathedral pews but were segmented in three different groups of people dressed in matching attire.
The older members of the association were dressed in black and white attire, the youthful ones (brigades) in grey while the younger ones (cadets) were dressed in white shirts and black trousers.
Wavamunno was smartly dressed in black robes of a Knight of the Order of St John. His successor, Kiryabwire, also donned a full uniform designated for commanders of the association. Presiding over the service, Kampala Diocese Assistant Bishop Hannington Mutebi praised Wavamunno for serving the St John Ambulance as commander for the last 15 years and ensuring that there is a smooth transition of leadership.
In his handover speech, a visibly jovial Wavamunno pledged to support the new commander of the association in whatever way possible whenever approached for assistance. He urged the members of St John Ambulance to welcome their new commander and work with him to see that the philanthropic works of the organization move forward.
“I have worked with him in St John Ambulance. I am sure he will manage. All he needs is your support to grow the activities of the association,” said Wavamunno.
At around 12:15pm, Kiryabwire took the oath of the Order of St John guided by lawyer Chris Bakiza, the legal counsel of the organisation. The constitution and other instruments of service were then handed over to Kiryabwire amidst huge ovation from the audience.
When the handover was completed, Kiryabwire was welcomed by angelic voices from the cadets as they sang the Order of St John hymn. Accepting the new role, Justice Kiryabwire thanked members of St John Ambulance who have given him the responsibility to be their new commander. He pledged to work with his predecessor and other members of the St John Ambulance to ensure that their activities cause positive impact around the different corners of the country.
“I feel blessed because I stand between two different positions. I grew up in this church and I am glad to follow in the steps of my father who also once occupied the position of commander. I want to pledge that we shall build this association from the grassroots to the top. We shall work together with these young people whom we heard sing today to transform this country,” he said.
The ceremony attracted prominent people from the judiciary and business community such as businessman Emmanuel Katongole. Rt Rev Wilson Mutebi, the retired Mityana bishop of Mityana, also a Commander of the Order of St John in his own right and former vice chairman of the association, also graced the occasion.
In 2013, Wavamunno got admitted to the British Royal Order of Chivalry as a knight of the venerable order of St John. Knighthood is one of the highest honors the Queen can confer upon an individual. In the past, it was solely for military merit, but now recognizes significant contribution to national life.
Knighthood is normally awarded to the British and a few people outside Britain, mainly in the Commonwealth member states. Wavamunno has been the commander of the St John Ambulance since 2005.
St John Ambulance is a volunteer-led philanthropic nongovernmental organization dedicated to the teaching and practice of first aid. Though established in 1099, it was not until 1930 that the St John Association of Uganda was established in Uganda. St John Ambulance heavily relies on the philanthropy and eminent reputation, and there is no doubt Justice Kiryabwire will ably lead them to greater heights.
WHAT MAKES ST JOHN AMBULANCE SPECIAL?
St John Ambulance is established in about 90 countries worldwide. It has its headquarters in London, England. The primary mission of the association in Uganda is to act as a first responder to manage sickness and injury before delivery to a health facility.
In doing its work, St John acts to enhance the health and well-being of humanity without dis- crimination as to race, religion and political affiliation, among others. The association provides commercial and charity ambulance services, home-based care services, occupation health and safety training and disaster preparedness services, among others. These services are provided through volunteers spread out around the country in divisions and fellowships.
The core service of St John Ambulance is to provide first aid training and care. It has skilled and qualified trainers who provide training to commercial enterprises as well as charity trainings to communities. Over the past years, the association has trained over 20,000 people countrywide and the figure is expected to increase over the years.
Meanwhile, the association has four ambulances operating offering 24-hour ambulance services in Kampala to deliver vital lifesaving services. St John’s Ambulance technicians have trained to international standards and continue to update their skills through refresher courses provided by its partners St John Ambulance England. St John’s Ambulance further provides HIV/Aids testing and counseling services through its group of volunteers.
Source: The Observer