President Yoweri Museveni recently hosted the Muslim community for an Iftar dinner at State House-Entebbe, extending congratulations to the faithful for their progress during the Ramadan season. The event provided a platform for dialogue and reflection on matters of faith and national development.
In his address, President Museveni highlighted the parallels between the Quran and the Bible, expressing admiration for the teachings shared by his niece and emphasizing the importance of religious harmony. He commended religious groups for promoting economic empowerment among their followers, noting a departure from past ideologies that discouraged economic prosperity.
Referencing his own experiences in leadership, President Museveni underscored the significance of hard work and wealth creation, urging religious leaders to align their messages with the goals of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He cited successful initiatives in his own communities, where economic empowerment programs have lifted many out of poverty over the years.
Emphasizing the need for diversified economic engagement, President Museveni called upon leaders to encourage participation in agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT sectors to combat poverty effectively. Additionally, he cautioned against traditional practices of land division, advocating for equitable inheritance practices to prevent social discord.
Addressing concerns raised regarding interest (riba) in the Parish Development Model (PDM), President Museveni pledged to convene experts for further discussion to ensure alignment with Islamic teachings. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusivity and non-discrimination, citing the introduction of Islamic banking as a testament to this principle.
In response, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his continued support and leadership. He lauded the President’s efforts in public health and education sectors, acknowledging contributions to combating diseases and improving literacy rates. The Mufti also commended President Museveni’s non-sectarian approach, fostering national development and unity.
Furthermore, Sheikh Mubajje appealed to President Museveni to prioritize economic empowerment initiatives in Muslim regions, envisioning them as models for skill development and wealth creation.
The event, attended by government officials, diplomatic representatives, and Muslim leaders, served as a testament to the ongoing dialogue between the government and religious communities in Uganda, emphasizing collaboration towards shared goals of progress and prosperity.
