BY ENOCK MUSIKA
Mbarara, Uganda – March 26, 2025Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara City was a scene of jubilation as thousands gathered to welcome Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), for a grand Iftar dinner.
The event, following the historic Kampala Street Iftar, brought together Muslims and leaders from various political backgrounds in a show of unity and faith. Attendees included members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and the Patriot League of Uganda (PLU), highlighting Hajjat Namyalo’s commitment to fostering national cohesion beyond political lines.
His Worship Emeritus Bishop Willy Tumwine, the former Mayor of Mbarara City and NRM Chairperson for Mbarara, praised Hajjat Namyalo’s initiative, noting that the event brought together key religious leaders from western Uganda and attracted an estimated 14,000 attendees.
He commended the organizers for their efforts in making the event a success.Sheikh Abdullah Muhammad Mukwaya, the District Kadhi of Mbarara, also lauded Hajjat Namyalo for her generosity and devotion to the Muslim community. “Thank you, Hajjat Namyalo, for thinking of Mbarara and coming to this area. You are a special breed that Allah has sent. May Allah grant you good health,” he said.
He also invited her to be the chief guest at the upcoming Mbarara Qadh Run 2025, the highly anticipated fourth edition set for April 13, 2025.Sheikh Mukwaya further reminded Hajjat Namyalo of President Museveni’s 2017 pledge of UGX 250 million to help Muslims in western Uganda establish a radio station.
“Dear Hajjat, President Museveni promised us UGX 250 million in 2017 to support a Muslim radio station, but up to now, we have never received his pledge. Kindly remind him on our behalf. If he fulfills it, he will earn even more support from this region,” he emphasized.
In her address, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo expressed gratitude to the organizing committee, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), politicians from different parties, and all stakeholders who contributed to the event’s success. She emphasized that the purpose of her visit was to share a meal with people from all walks of life and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.“This is a time for unity.
Let us come together for the good of Mbarara and the greater Ankole region. This is a virgin place with great potential,” she said. She further urged against political violence and encouraged people to focus on economic growth and stability. “Let us avoid shedding blood. We all want wealth, but we must remember that everything in this world is temporary. Let’s embrace peace and harmony.
We are now in Museveni’s era of peace and economic stability,” she emphasized.Hajjat Namyalo acknowledged the significance of the proposed radio station, which aims to amplify educational and cultural content while bridging communication gaps in western Uganda.
She assured the audience that she would remind President Museveni about the pledge he made.With Mbarara’s Iftar dinner marking another milestone in her mobilization drive, Hajjat Namyalo continues to strengthen ties between the government and the people, reinforcing the values of unity, faith, and national development.
