President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni hosted the Muslim community for an Iftar dinner at State House Entebbe, congratulating them on successfully fasting during Ramadan.
“We are left with only a few days for Ramadan to end. We pray that God keeps us safe until the end,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the holy month.
The President urged believers to balance their spiritual obligations with economic empowerment, saying, “You the religious leaders, I think you should begin helping your people to develop the thinking of worshipping and working as well.”
He commended the Muslim community for embracing the Parish Development Model (PDM) initiative, which aims to improve household incomes.
“I’m glad that you finally accepted my PDM money because some people had misinterpreted that money, saying that it has riba (interest). I’m not profiteering from you,” he explained ¹.
The President clarified that the government provides funds to each parish annually, which is not subject to interest or repayment.
“The five percent we are putting on the Shs1m for each year is in order to keep the value for that money so that it is able to maintain the purchasing power of a product,” he added.
President Museveni emphasized the importance of unity among Ugandans, saying, “I want to thank you for listening to our message of unity. You can see how the world is in chaos because of misinterpreting religion.”
He condemned discrimination and sectarianism, stating, “Those people who do discrimination are really greedy people.”
The President cautioned against interfering with the freedom of worship, saying, “Why do you interfere in the freedom of worship? Let them worship as long as they don’t break the law.”
As a token of appreciation, President Museveni contributed 10 tractors to the 10 Muslim regions in Uganda.
Vice President Jessica Alupo thanked President Museveni for hosting the Iftar dinner and promoting freedom of worship in Uganda.
“Your Excellency, Uganda is one of the countries where all religious denominations are respected, honoured, valued and given maximum freedom of worship,” she said.
The Vice President acknowledged the President’s strategic leadership and the NRM’s commitment to non-discrimination.
Sheikh Waiswa Muhammad Ali, representing the Mufti of Uganda, thanked President Museveni for hosting the Muslim community and promoting unity and socio-economic transformation.
“We do not take this for granted,” he said, appreciating the President’s efforts to foster a sense of community and cooperation.
