By Swift Reporter
The Office of the National Chairman Manager, SPA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has been honoured by Muslim leaders in Wakiso District for her support for women’s empowerment, vulnerable communities and initiatives aimed at improving people’s livelihoods.
Namyalo received an appreciation award during Dua prayers for candidates and graduands, including Imams and Amirahs from Namasuba Institute of Technical and Vocational Studies, where Muslim leaders gathered to pray for the candidates and celebrate their completion of training.
The award was presented by His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, on behalf of Wakiso District Muslim leaders, in recognition of Namyalo’s engagement with the Muslim community and her support for initiatives intended to improve the welfare of ordinary Ugandans.
Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Erias Kigozi the Wakiso District Khadi commended Hajjat Namyalo for championing the interests of ordinary people and supporting communities facing social and economic challenges.
Sheikh Kigozi described Namyalo as a mother to the poor, praising her commitment to reaching people at the grassroots and supporting initiatives aimed at improving their livelihoods. He said her engagement with vulnerable groups demonstrated the importance of leaders remaining connected to the communities they serve.
He also appreciated the government for its contribution to the development of the Muslim community, particularly through initiatives aimed at promoting education, strengthening religious institutions and improving the welfare of citizens.
In his remarks, Sheikh Mubaje called on parents to raise their children with a strong religious foundation, saying the fear of God, discipline and good morals were important in shaping responsible members of society.
The Mufti urged students and graduands to remain hardworking, disciplined and committed to their studies and professional pursuits, describing these values as essential to individual success and the wider development of communities.
He commended Wakiso District Muslim leaders for cooperating with political leaders to advance the interests of Muslims in the area, saying collaboration between religious institutions and political leadership could help address community challenges and support development initiatives.
Sheikh Mubaje also called for greater unity among Muslims, emphasising that collective effort was necessary to strengthen their institutions and improve the welfare of their communities.
He thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for what he described as his contribution to uniting Muslims and supporting their social and economic empowerment through government programmes.
The Mufti further praised Namyalo for her engagement with religious leaders and her commitment to the concerns of ordinary people, describing her as a leader who had continued to give a voice to communities at the grassroots.
He welcomed continued cooperation between political leaders and religious institutions, saying such partnerships could help identify community needs and strengthen efforts to improve the welfare of Muslims.
Addressing the graduands, Namyalo congratulated them upon completing their training and commended Muslim leaders for investing in education and vocational skills development.
She said practical skills were essential in helping young people and other members of the community improve their livelihoods, become economically independent and contribute to national development.
Namyalo urged the graduands to put their knowledge into practice, serve their communities with integrity and use the skills acquired to explore employment and self-employment opportunities.
She also emphasised the importance of good morals, discipline and responsibility in building successful careers and contributing to society.
Her message on vocational training was reinforced by Alex Bereeta, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Nansana, who commended Muslim leaders for promoting practical education as one way of addressing unemployment and improving household incomes.
Bereeta said vocational training equips people with the ability to work, establish their own businesses and become self-reliant rather than depending entirely on formal employment.
He cited catering, soap-making, welding, motor vehicle mechanics and salon services as some of the practical skills that could enable trainees to establish businesses, earn an income and create employment opportunities for others.
Bereeta also praised Namyalo for supporting empowerment initiatives and encouraging programmes that equip people with practical skills. He urged religious leaders to continue using their influence to promote peaceful coexistence, unity and responsible conduct among their followers.
He further commended Sheikh Mubaje for his leadership and support for President Museveni and the government, while warning against extremism and calling for sustained efforts to preserve harmony within communities.
The Member of Parliament for Busiro East Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Magoola Matovu, also commended Sheikh Mubaje for his leadership and praised Sheikh Elias Lukwago for what he described as exemplary leadership, discipline and commitment to development.
Magoola hailed Namyalo for her engagement with the Muslim community, saying political leaders and religious institutions needed to work together to identify challenges and develop practical solutions.
He pledged to work with Namyalo and other stakeholders to explore ways of empowering Muslim leaders and supporting initiatives that improve the welfare of their communities.
Beyond education and economic empowerment, Muslim leaders at the gathering called for improved access to healthcare, proposing that health facilities be established near mosques to serve worshippers and surrounding communities.
They said locating healthcare services closer to places of worship could make treatment more accessible, particularly for people who face difficulties travelling long distances to hospitals and other medical facilities.