By Ashraf zziwa.
The Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Norbert Mao, who doubles as the Democratic Party (DP), Uganda’s oldest political party, had reason to smile last evening as he hosted an iftar dinner together with his wife to honor the Holy Month of Ramadan. The event took place at their mansion in Lubowa, a posh area on the outskirts of Kampala, off the Kampala-Entebbe Highway, near Iron Roofing Industries.
His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, on behalf of His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, led the Muslim faithful in attendance, including UMSC departmental heads such as Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance & Administration; H.E. Sheikh Uthman Twaha, the Special Mufti’s Envoy to the Republic of South Sudan; H.E. Haj Yusuf Mpoza, the Special Envoy to Great Britain and Kadhis from Muslim districts; and the former Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo.
The colorful event was attended by several cabinet ministers, including Hon. Bright Rwamirama, State Minister for Animal Industry; Hon. Henry Okello Oryem, State Minister for Foreign Affairs; Hon. Grace Mary Mugasa, State Minister for Public Service; Phiona Nyamutoro, State Minister for Energy & Mineral Development; and Hon. Lilian Abel, State Minister for Refugees & Disaster Preparedness, along with their spouses.
In his speech, Sheikh Waiswa expressed his gratitude to the host for exhibiting respect, compassion, and support towards Muslims during this holy season. He also thanked Chairman Mao for his national service. “I also wish to thank President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his government for the enabling environment that has fostered national growth and development.”
Earlier, the Hon. Ministers had the opportunity to share light moments with the guests. On his part, Hon. Okello Oryem disclosed an assignment given to him by the President. He is scheduled to contact Muslim countries and leadership regarding the establishment of well-developed madrassa institutions that will offer Islamic theological studies from primary school to college.
These institutions will be guided by a well-designed curriculum created by reputable Islamic scholars. Chairman Mao, in his remarks, spoke warmly about his family’s close relationship with the Islamic faith. “I almost learned how to recite the Holy Qur’an when I was taken to study at Bugembe in Jinja when I was a child,” he said, amusing the guests. He continued by discussing his vision of seeing Ugandans sit together at the table, reconcile their past differences, and forge unity for the sake of the country’s future stability.
Finally, Chairman Mao announced that the dinner would be held annually.
The event was attended by many DP stalwarts
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