KAMPALA.
The Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Norbert Mao, who doubles as President of the Democratic Party (DP), Uganda’s oldest political party, had reason to smile on Monday evening as he hosted an Iftar dinner together with his wife to honor the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The event took place at their mansion in Lubowa, a posh Kampala suburb , off the Kampala-Entebbe Highway, near Iron Roofing Industries.
Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, on behalf of Mufti Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, led the Muslim faithful in attendance, including the rival Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, UMSC departmental heads such as Muhammad Ali Aluma, the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance & Administration; Sheikh Uthman Twaha, the Special Mufti’s Envoy to the Republic of South Sudan; Haj Yusuf Mpoza, the Special Envoy to Great Britain and Kadhis from Muslim districts
The colourful event was attended by several cabinet ministers, including Bright Rwamirama, State Minister for Animal Industry; Henry Okello Oryem, State Minister for Foreign Affairs; Grace Mary Mugasa, State Minister for Public Service; Phiona Nyamutoro, State Minister for Energy & Mineral Development; and Lilian Abel, State Minister for Refugees & Disaster Preparedness, along with their spouses.
In his speech, Sheikh Waiswa expressed his gratitude to the host for exhibiting respect, compassion, and support towards Muslims during this holy season. He also thanked Chairman Mao for his national service. “I also wish to thank President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his government for the enabling environment that has fostered national growth and development.” he said
Earlier, the Ministers had the opportunity to share light moments with the guests. On his part, Mr Okello Oryem disclosed an assignment given to him by the President. He is scheduled to contact Muslim countries and leadership regarding the establishment of well-developed madrassa institutions that will offer Islamic theological studies from primary school level to college level .
These institutions will be guided by a well-designed curriculum created by reputable Islamic scholars. Minister Mao, in his remarks, spoke warmly about his family’s close relationship with the Islamic faith. “I almost learned how to recite the Holy Koran when I was taken to study at Bugembe in Jinja when I was a child,” he said, amusing the guests. He continued by discussing his vision of seeing Ugandans sit together at the table, reconcile their past differences, and forge unity for the sake of the country’s future stability.
Finally, the former Gulu District Chairperson announced that the dinner would be held annually.
The event was attended by many DP stalwarts.