President Museveni Hosts Iftar Dinner, Praises Muslim Community, and Promotes Unity and Economic Growth

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed Uganda’s Muslim community to State House Entebbe for an Iftar dinner, a gathering that highlighted both the spiritual significance of Ramadan and the importance of national unity. The event showcased the President’s dedication to supporting religious tolerance and advancing socio-economic development across the country.

During his speech, President Museveni congratulated the Muslim attendees for their commitment to fasting throughout the holy month of Ramadan, noting that only a few days remain until its conclusion. He expressed hope that divine protection would guide them safely to the end. Beyond spiritual encouragement, he called on religious leaders to inspire their followers to blend worship with efforts to boost household incomes. He stressed the need for a mindset that values both faith and hard work as a path to prosperity.

The President also took a moment to applaud the Muslim community for embracing the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government program designed to improve livelihoods at the local level. He addressed earlier misunderstandings about the initiative, explaining that some had wrongly viewed the funds as tied to interest, or riba. Museveni clarified that the money belongs to the people, not the government, and is provided annually to each parish without expectation of repayment. He added that a small five percent adjustment ensures the funds retain their value over time, safeguarding their ability to support meaningful purchases.

Museveni further praised the Muslim community for aligning with the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s emphasis on unity, a principle he believes is crucial in a world often fractured by religious misinterpretations. He questioned the idea that any faith encourages conflict between groups like Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims, stating he had never found such division endorsed by God. Pointing to the diverse attendees, including Sunnis, Shia, and Ahmadiyas, he celebrated their togetherness as a reflection of true spiritual values. Reiterating his support for religious freedom, the President urged respect for individual worship choices, so long as they remain within the law.

To bolster the Muslim community’s progress, he pledged 10 tractors to be shared among Uganda’s 10 Muslim regions, a practical step toward enhancing their development efforts. Vice President Jessica Alupo expressed deep appreciation to President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, who also serves as Minister of Education and Sports, for their ongoing generosity in hosting the annual Iftar dinner. She highlighted Uganda’s exceptional environment, where all religious groups enjoy respect, honor, and unrestricted freedom to practice their beliefs. Alupo attributed this harmony to Museveni’s forward-thinking leadership and the NRM’s inclusive policies, which have made freedom of worship a constitutional right, allowing Ugandans to follow their faiths freely. She also thanked the Muslim community for their steadfast backing of President Museveni and the NRM government.

Representing the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Ramathan Mubajje, First Deputy Mufti Sheikh Waiswa Muhammad Ali echoed this gratitude, emphasizing that the yearly Iftar invitation is deeply valued. He commended Museveni for standing alongside Muslims to promote unity, patriotism, democracy, and economic advancement through various government initiatives.

The Iftar dinner at State House Entebbe offered more than a Ramadan celebration; it stood as a testament to Uganda’s dedication to inclusivity and growth under Museveni’s guidance. As the holy month draws to a close, the occasion reinforced a collective commitment to peace and prosperity for all Ugandans, transcending religious boundaries.