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Muslims have been urged to embrace socio-economic transformation opportunities provided by the government
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By Our Reporter
Muslims have been urged to embrace socio-economic transformation opportunities provided by the government. The head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Hajjat Hadijjah Namyalo, while addressing Muslims at an Iftar dinner held along Buganda Road in Kampala on Thursday, implored them to seize opportunities introduced by President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM government to drive socio-economic transformation and create wealth.
“Ramadan teaches us patience and sacrifice, but beyond this holy month, we must translate these lessons into action. Our government has established programs such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM) to uplift livelihoods; let us take advantage of them,” she said.
Buganda Road was entirely closed to traffic and decorated with tents to accommodate the Iftar dinner, which was convened by the ONC to celebrate with Muslims currently observing the holy month of Ramadan.
At exactly 7:00 PM, Namyalo, also known as the "Chief Muzzukulu" of President Museveni’s grandchildren (Bazzukulu), flagged off the dinner. Namyalo personally led her staff in serving thousands of Muslims, who came together in unity and diversity to honor Allah’s greatness. The first-ever street Iftar dinner in a key street of the capital city was held under tight security, ensured by joint security agencies.
Expressing her appreciation, Namyalo lauded the overwhelming turnout at the inaugural Iftar dinner.
“I am truly overwhelmed to see so many Bazzukulu come together, not just for a meal, but to strengthen our unity and faith. Although some were discouraged from attending by individuals serving their political interests, those who came have proven them wrong,” Namyalo said.
The event blended inspirational sermons, Quran recitations, and Mataali performances, invoking spiritual reflection and inspiration. Many attendees expressed their gratitude, praising the ONC’s initiative as a groundbreaking move that fosters inclusivity and communal growth.
The unique event marked the beginning of what many hope will become an annual tradition, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate faith, unity, and shared prosperity.
According to Namyalo, the event also served as a significant milestone in ONC’s grassroots mobilization agenda ahead of President Museveni’s re-election bid.
“With 2026 fast approaching, this dinner has partly set the stage for our intense mobilization for our Jjaja’s (grandfather’s) re-election campaign,” Namyalo stated.
She revealed that the ONC's top priority in the run-up to the 2026 general elections is to re-engage the youth and bring them back into the fold of the ruling party.
Hajjati Sophia Kenyanji Safina, the National Women's Chairperson of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Women’s League, expressed gratitude to Namyalo for inviting Muslims from all walks of life without discrimination.
“You invited all Muslims, as well as people from other religions and different political parties, including the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), National Unity Platform (NUP), and NRM, among others,” she said.
In his sermon, Sheikh Elias Kayizi, the key preacher of the event, urged Muslims to remain humble and well-behaved throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
