Kampala — Lions have been told to recruit more members into the organisation.

They also need to open more clubs. The District 411B Governor, Abdul Majeed Khan, said this would help them serve the communities better.

Khan was on Saturday visiting projects undertaken by Lions Clubs in Zone 11, which include Jinja, Kakira, Njeru and Iganga.

The chairman of zone 11, who is also Jinja Lions Club President, Chacko Babu and other club officials took Khan around the projects.

District 411B covers Uganda and Tanzania and Khan is on a tour of 45 clubs in Uganda and 22 clubs in Tanzania.

"If clubs have few members, you will not be in position to serve the community but if you increase membership, you can divide duties and services in the clubs and reduce the burden on the Government," Khan said.

He said the target was to recruit over 200 new members and create 10 new clubs in Uganda. He emphasised recruitment of women and empowering them to take up positions of club presidents, zonal chairpersons and district governors.

Khan toured the Eye Ward at Jinja Hospital, which was constructed by the Lions Club of Jinja. He handed over cleaning items to the ward staff.

He pledged to offer eye operations to people with eye complications in rural areas.

Khan also called upon club presidents to establish Leo (junior) Clubs for the youth, starting in schools. "If one sows a Leo today, he can reap a Lion tomorrow," Khan, who is four months in office, said.

He said the organisation had earmarked $22,000 (sh39.9m) to organise four Lion quest seminars, to teach school children skills in discipline and good judgment.