By Frank Kamuntu
Kampala: The Ismaili Civic Community in Uganda, an extension of the global Ismaili Civic Engagement of the Aghakan, has Saturday joined the Pan-African Pyramid (PAP) in the collection of relief aide to Kyaka II Refugees Settlement located in Kyegegwa District, Western Uganda.
Demonstrating its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), the Ismaili Community has been actively assisting various vulnerable communities for the past several years, guided by its mission: “To serve humanity and improve the quality of life of the communities in which we live,” the community has generously donated relief items worth UGX 5million to support PAP’s commendable efforts in aiding refugees across different settlements on an annual basis.
The donation package included household items, assorted clothing for women, children, men, scholastic materials and children’s play games, among other essentials, which were handed over to PAP’s founding speaker and Chairman, comrade Andrew Irumba Katusabe, by Mr. Azhar Bandali Jaffer, the Chairman of Outreach for Aga Khan National Council and Managing Director of Fairway Hotel.
Speaking during the handover on Saturday at Fairway Hotel, Mr. Azhar pledged more cooperation between the two organizations, further noting that as a community this December they had already extended more relief aid to four other vulnerable communities including the disabled, orphans, and widows, among others.
“As Ismaili we do these charity activities quite often, especially holidays like these, so we’re happy to join the Kyaka Refugees project,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ismaili Community donation and other packages will be added to the already collected items to be delivered to Kyaka II refugee camp on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023.
The Pan-African Pyramid, a non-governmental organization collaborating with partners like the GRO Foundation and other well-wishers, has consistently undertaken annual relief aid initiatives during Christmas, focusing on refugee camps across Uganda. The organization has successfully executed relief aid missions in Kiryandongo, Bidibidi, Rwamwanja and Nakivale in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively.
More About Ismaili CIVIC Community
Reflecting the pluralism of the Muslim world generally, the Ismailis are a richly diverse community within the Shia branch of Islam who belong to distinct ethnic-geographic and linguistic traditions. They are united by their belief in a living hereditary Imam of the Time from the progeny of Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family).
Guiding Principles & Themes Relevant To Ismaili CIVIC?
- Serving humanity
- Improving the quality of life of the communities in which Ismailis live
-  Promoting the Ismaili community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship
Within the above context, Ismaili CIVIC programs are categorized into the following thematic areas:
• Health
Health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being. Programs include blood donations, food distribution, health promotion and education, inter-community sports events, etc.
• Education
Education is facilitating learning, or acquiring knowledge, skills, values, morals, beliefs, and habits. Programs include early childhood development, adult learning, mentorship, language translation services, literacy, STEM programs, etc.
• Economic Development
Process where the economic well-being and quality of life of a nation, region, local community, or individual are improved according to targeted goals and objectives. Programs include poverty alleviation, small business/other skills training, career development support, clothing donation drive, affordable housing programs, newcomer support, etc.
• Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship refers to the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. Programs include tree planting, recycling, parks, street & shoreline clean-ups, community waste management programs, etc.
• Culture
Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music, and arts. Programs include festivals, theatre, and art exhibitions, among others.
Pictorial: Mr Jaffer Chairman of Outreach for Aga Khan National Council Handing Over Donations To PAP Founding Speaker & Chairman Mr Andrew Irumba Katusabe At Fairway Hotel In Kampala.
