President Yoweri Museveni has praised the support of Muslim leaders towards government programs and encouraged increased involvement of youths in constructive activities.
The commendation came during a meeting between the President and the leadership of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), led by Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubajje.
At the gathering held at State House Entebbe, President Museveni emphasized the importance of guiding young people, including those facing challenges associated with groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), towards productive paths in life. He stressed the need for imparting essential life skills and cultivating a strong work ethic among the youth.
Acknowledging the instrumental role of religious institutions, Museveni highlighted mosques and churches’ significance in promoting wealth creation and economic empowerment. He urged religious leaders to emphasize the importance of self-sufficiency among their followers.
In response, the UMSC delegation expressed gratitude for the President’s support towards various Islamic activities, including constitutional reviews and UMSC elections. Mufti Sheikh Mubajje commended Museveni’s commitment to unity, security, and socio-economic transformation for Muslims and Ugandans as a whole, highlighting the Muslim fraternity’s embrace of the Parish Development Model (PDM) program.
Additionally, the UMSC unveiled plans to launch a coffee/cocoa planting initiative across ten Muslim regions in Uganda to combat poverty, seeking government support for its implementation. They also requested President Museveni’s endorsement for upcoming events, including the Union of East African Muslim Councils Conference and the Uganda Women Muslim Council function.
In response, President Museveni pledged his support for the initiatives presented by the UMSC, expressing his commitment to collaboration with religious organizations to foster unity and socio-economic development. He agreed to participate in the UMSC @ 50 events scheduled for December, underscoring his dedication to advancing mutual goals for the benefit of Uganda’s Muslim community and the nation at large.
