BY ENOCK MUSIKA
The Manager of the Office of the National Chairman and Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, SPA/PA Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, today extended the ONC Ramadan food distribution initiative to Muslim students at Mutesa I Royal University and Buganda Royal Institute, as part of ongoing efforts to support fasting Muslims during the holy month.
The food packages were received by Mr Siraje Kizito, the patron of the Muteesa University Muslim Students Association (MUMSA) alongside student leaders at the Buganda-owned institution.
Kizito, who taught Namyalo Geography at O’level, commended the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) for remembering Muslim students during Ramadan.
“We thank the Office of the National Chairman and Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo for thinking about Muslim students during this fasting period. Such support helps many students who may find it difficult to balance academic responsibilities and daily meals during Ramadan,” he said.
In her remarks to the students, SPA Namyalo encouraged them to remain disciplined and focused on their education, stressing the importance of good character and faith.
She also announced a Shs10 million contribution toward the construction of a Muslim students’ facility to support the welfare and spiritual needs of Muslim learners, and pledged to mobilise well-off Muslim supporters to contribute toward the project.
“We shall also talk to our wealthy Muslim brothers and sisters to come in and support this cause so that the students can have a proper place for their activities and prayers,” she said.
Visit to IUIU Female Campus
From Mutesa I Royal University, Namyalo stretched the Ramadan Outreach to the Islamic University in Uganda Female Campus Kabojja where she was received by Dr Nabukeera Madinah, the Campus Director.
Ms Nabukeera highlighted the institution’s mission of empowering young women through education and skills development, with the campus now hosting more than 1,000 students enrolled in over 150 courses across six faculties, including Law, Education, Science, Management and Health Sciences.
“We also admit non-Muslim students. As long as a student is willing to abide by campus rules and regulations, including the dress code, they are welcome. Currently, about 40 percent of the learners here are non-Muslims, while 60 percent are Muslims,” Nabukeera said.
She also explained that the university runs initiatives such as the annual “Run for Girl Education” charity program to support financially disadvantaged students.
“Every year we organise a charity run to raise funds, and so far the programme has supported over 480 girls. Currently about 40% of the learners here are non-Muslims while 60% are Muslims,” Nabukeera said.
In a show of her generous heart, Hajjat Namyalo donated a cow to the institution to support students during the upcoming Eid celebrations, a gesture aimed at helping them break the fast collectively.
She also encouraged female students to remain resilient and focused on their academic ambitions.
The Chief Muzzukulu rounded up the day with a visit to Kabalagala Police Division where she delivered 50 boxes of food relief packages from Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to support Muslim police officers observing Ramadan.
Hajjat commended officers at the division for maintaining security in the busy Kampala suburb. she noted that Kabalagala faces unique security challenges including petty crime and drug abuse, which require constant vigilance from security personnel.
“Your work in maintaining peace and security in this area is highly appreciated. Even during Ramadan, you continue serving the public diligently, and this small support is meant to appreciate your commitment,” Namyalo said.
Police officers at the station; Officer in Charge, ASP Awio Morris, alongside SP Ntomi Fred and ASP Nanyunja Sarah welcomed the gesture and thanked Namyalo for selecting Kabalagala division among police units benefiting from the Ramadan outreach.
“We appreciate Hajjat Namyalo and the Office of the National Chairman for this gesture. It will support Muslim officers as they observe the remaining days of Ramadan while continuing to serve the community,” ASP Awio said.
The Ramadan outreach is part of the broader community support initiatives spearheaded by the Office of the National Chairman to assist vulnerable groups and promote unity and compassion during the holy month.