By Frank Kamuntu
The Office of the National Chairman (ONC) Manager and Senior Presidential Advisor, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has reaffirmed her commitment to advancing education, girl-child empowerment, and community development. She delivered a keynote message during the 2nd Thanawi graduation ceremony of Ibun Baz Girls Secondary School in Busei, Iganga District.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Qur’an and Science Are Not Parallel,” brought together religious leaders, education officials, parents, and government representatives to celebrate academic achievement and promote the integration of faith with modern education.
A total of 21 students graduated at Thanawi level, marking a significant milestone for the institution.
Representing Hajjat Namyalo, Wakiso District Khadhi, Sheikh Erias Kigozi, read her full speech and officiated parts of the event.
In her message, Hajjat Namyalo expressed gratitude to Allah for enabling the school community to witness the occasion. She commended the school administration, teaching staff, and parents for their role in nurturing disciplined and hardworking learners. She emphasized that education—particularly for the girl child—when combined with strong moral grounding, remains a cornerstone of sustainable development.
“Education of the girl child, anchored in strong moral values and discipline, is fundamental to sustainable development, and it is through such commitment from all stakeholders that we build a stronger society,” she noted.
She further underscored that empowering girls through education is one of the most effective pathways to national transformation, as educated women strengthen families and contribute meaningfully to community and national development.
Hajjat Namyalo also observed that education should not be viewed as an endpoint, but rather as a foundation that must be complemented by wisdom, humility, and purpose. She urged graduates to apply their knowledge in service of their communities, uphold justice, and become agents of positive change.
“Empowering the girl child through education remains one of the most effective pathways to national transformation because educated women strengthen families, uplift communities, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she added.
She encouraged the graduates to remain confident in their values, uphold integrity and modesty, and use their education to address societal challenges.
Citing Islamic teachings, she reiterated the high regard Islam places on knowledge, referencing the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teaching that the best among people are those who learn and teach others.
She urged the graduates to become ambassadors of knowledge, faith, good character, and lifelong learning among Muslim women.
A key highlight of the ceremony was her financial contribution towards the commencement of construction of the Namyalo Hadijah Science Laboratory Block at the school. The gesture was warmly welcomed by school leaders and the community, who described it as timely and crucial in strengthening practical science education.
Sheikh Erias Kigozi also announced a contribution of 30 sacks of cement towards the ongoing construction project, further reinforcing support for improved school infrastructure.
He added that the ONC runs an Umrah initiative through which outstanding students may be considered for spiritual reward opportunities as motivation for academic excellence.
School administrators highlighted pressing challenges, particularly the lack of a fully equipped science laboratory and the high cost of science textbooks. They appealed for increased government and private sector support to strengthen science education in line with national development priorities.
The newly elected Iganga District LC5 Chairperson, Muhando Shabiru Isabirye, who attended the function, called for the expedited restoration of Busoga University. He commended Hajjat Namyalo for her empowerment programmes, noting their visible impact across communities beyond political affiliation.
Iganga District Khadhi, Sheikh Sinani Muwanika, also praised Hajjat Namyalo for her continued support to Muslim communities, including Ramadan Iftar programmes and food relief initiatives for vulnerable families, describing her as a consistent and committed leader in community development.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for increased investment in education infrastructure, with stakeholders emphasizing that improved facilities particularly science laboratories are essential for Uganda’s long-term development agenda.
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