The Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), SPA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has received an appreciation award from Muslim leaders in Wakiso District in recognition of her contribution to women's empowerment, support for vulnerable communities and efforts to improve household livelihoods.
The award was presented by the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubaje, on behalf of Wakiso District Muslim leaders during Dua prayers for candidates and graduands, including Imams and Amirahs, from Namasuba Institute of Technical and Vocational Studies.
The gathering brought together religious leaders, political leaders, students and community members to pray for the candidates, celebrate the graduands' achievements and discuss initiatives aimed at strengthening education, economic empowerment and community welfare.
Muslim Leaders Recognise Namyalo's Community Empowerment Efforts
Addressing the gathering, Wakiso District Khadi Sheikh Erias Kigozi commended Hajjat Namyalo for her engagement with grassroots communities and support for initiatives intended to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable Ugandans.
Sheikh Kigozi described Namyalo as a mother to the poor, acknowledging her efforts to reach communities facing social and economic challenges.
He emphasised the importance of leaders remaining connected to ordinary citizens and supporting programmes that respond to their needs.
The District Khadi also appreciated the Government's contribution to the development of the Muslim community, particularly through initiatives supporting education, religious institutions and household welfare.
Mufti Mubaje Calls for Unity, Discipline and Strong Religious Values
In his remarks, Sheikh Mubaje encouraged parents to raise their children with strong religious values, discipline and respect for others.
He emphasised that good morals, hard work and commitment to education were important in preparing young people to become responsible members of society.
The Mufti also urged Muslim leaders to strengthen unity and cooperation within their communities, noting that collaboration between religious institutions and political leaders could help address social and economic challenges.
Sheikh Mubaje thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for what he described as his contribution to unity among Muslims and support for their participation in Government programmes aimed at improving household incomes.
He further commended Hajjat Namyalo for maintaining close engagement with religious leaders and supporting initiatives intended to address the concerns of ordinary people.
The Mufti encouraged continued cooperation between religious institutions, Government agencies and community leaders to identify development priorities and improve access to essential services.
Namyalo Encourages Graduands to Embrace Vocational Skills and Self-Employment
Addressing the graduands, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo congratulated them upon completing their training and appreciated the Muslim leadership for investing in technical and vocational education.
She encouraged the graduands to put their newly acquired knowledge and practical skills into productive use by seeking employment, establishing businesses and creating opportunities for others.
Namyalo emphasised that vocational training provides young people with practical abilities that can help them earn an income, become financially independent and contribute to the development of their communities.
She also encouraged the graduands to uphold discipline, integrity and responsibility as they pursue their professional and business ambitions.
Government Officials Highlight the Importance of Practical Education
The Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Nansana, Alex Bereeta, also commended Muslim leaders for promoting vocational education as a practical approach to addressing unemployment and improving household incomes.
Bereeta explained that technical training equips individuals with skills that can support self-employment and reduce dependence on limited formal employment opportunities.
He highlighted catering, soap-making, welding, motor vehicle mechanics and salon services as examples of skills that graduates can use to establish businesses and earn sustainable incomes.
Bereeta also praised Namyalo for supporting community empowerment initiatives and encouraged religious leaders to continue promoting unity, peaceful coexistence and responsible conduct.
He commended Sheikh Mubaje for his leadership and support for President Museveni and the Government, while calling for continued efforts to discourage extremism and maintain harmony within communities.
Political Leaders Pledge Continued Cooperation with Muslim Communities
The Member of Parliament for Busiro East Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Magoola Matovu, commended Sheikh Mubaje for his leadership and praised Sheikh Elias Lukwago for his discipline and commitment to community development.
Matovu also acknowledged Hajjat Namyalo's engagement with the Muslim community and emphasised the importance of cooperation between political leaders and religious institutions.
He pledged to work with Namyalo and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for empowering Muslim leaders and supporting programmes that improve community welfare.
Muslim Leaders Call for Better Access to Healthcare
Beyond education and economic empowerment, Muslim leaders used the gathering to raise concerns about access to healthcare services, particularly among communities located far from existing medical facilities.
They proposed establishing healthcare facilities near mosques to improve access to medical treatment for worshippers and surrounding communities.
According to the leaders, bringing healthcare services closer to communities would help reduce the challenges faced by people who travel long distances to receive medical attention.
The proposal formed part of wider discussions on strengthening cooperation between Government institutions, religious organisations and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting education, healthcare and household livelihoods.
The event concluded with calls for continued investment in vocational education, community empowerment and partnerships that can improve the welfare of Ugandans, particularly young people, women and vulnerable households.