<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He made the remarks yesterday while presiding over the First National Workshop of the National Assembly of Imams and Duats of Uganda, held in conjunction with the Kampala District Council for Imams Development Forum in Bukandula, Gomba District.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The event, themed: \u201cEnhance Peace Campaign, Security, and Development\u201d, brought together religious and community leaders to discuss key development initiatives.<\/p>\n
Mr. Byaruhanga expressed gratitude to the organizers and emphasized the government\u2019s support for Muslim communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to thank the organizers for this important function and its theme, which underscores security and peace. Wrongdoers exist in every religion and no one should claim that the government discriminates against Muslims based on crime,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe laws apply to all and President Museveni\u2019s government treats all Ugandans equally, regardless of religion. Accountability is personal, not religious.\u201d<\/p>\n
To support economic empowerment, Mr. Byaruhanga announced financial contributions to their respective existing SACCOs.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn my personal behalf, I pledge shs5m to the Imam SACCO and shs5m to the Imrat SACCO. On behalf of the President, shs20m will go to the Imam SACCO and another shs20m to the Imrat SACCO.\u201d<\/p>\n
He encouraged the community to embrace Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) and raised concerns about unauthorized fees in government schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo primary school teacher earns shs 200,000, and no private school pays better than government schools. Why then should students in government schools be charged extra fees? Parents should only be responsible for buying books, pens, and uniforms, not paying illegal school fees.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr. Byaruhanga further highlighted the government\u2019s commitment to expanding education access.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt least 70% of parishes in Uganda have Universal Primary Schools, and 80% have government secondary schools. Our vision is to ensure every parish has a government-aided school.\u201d<\/p>\n
On poverty alleviation, he reiterated President Museveni\u2019s commitment to lifting Ugandans out of subsistence farming through the Parish Development Model (PDM).<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 2024 census found that 33% of households are outside the money economy, growing food only for subsistence. The President\u2019s vision through the PDM is to integrate these households into the commercial sector. The program provides shs100m per parish, with 30% allocated to youth enterprises and 40% to general business initiatives.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noted that Bukandula Parish has received shs 200m in PDM funds in two years, with an additional shs50m allocated this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith 49 parishes in Gomba, that translates to shs4.9bn in PDM funding annually.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr. Byaruhanga also addressed the Emyooga initiative, explaining that every constituency has 18 Emyooga SACCOs targeting skilled workers and service providers.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach constituency receives shs 560m for Emyooga. Kampala alone has 555 SACCOs, receiving sh16.8bn. A temporary pause on additional funding allows for a review of performance, ensuring funds are used effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n
He pledged to engage Imam leaders on expanding SACCOs nationwide and reassured Muslims of the feasibility of Islamic banking.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery district should have a Muslim SACCO, managed privately through the microfinance system. Islamic banking has been established, so there should be no fear of interest-based concerns,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
On the issue of health, Mr. Byaruhanga also called for accountability in health services, condemning the theft of medicines in government health centers.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery two months, districts receive medical supplies, yet theft remains an issue. Local leaders, including district councilors, LC chairpersons, and RDCs, must ensure proper supervision and prevent corruption,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In his closing remarks, Mr. Byaruhanga thanked the people of Gomba for their continued support to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and reaffirmed the government\u2019s commitment to improving rural water access.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery district receives shs150m for rural water projects. District commissioners must ensure proper supervision of engineers and other responsible officers.\u201d<\/p>\n
On his part, Sheikh Saidi Kasawuli, the Chairman of Imams in Uganda, emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs imams, our goal is to engage in dialogue for a better country,\u201d Sheikh Kasawuli stated.<\/p>\n
He highlighted key initiatives undertaken by the Imams, including training programs on poverty alleviation, security, peace, development and patriotism.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have also launched a two-year nationwide training journey to equip Imams with knowledge and skills to better serve their communities,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Sheikh Kasawuli noted that Kampala-based Imams have successfully accessed loans through microfinance programs and noted that the religious leaders played a vital role in sensitizing communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and were awarded certificates of recognition by the Ministry of Health.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thank President Museveni for his wise leadership in ensuring peace and development,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs Imams, we have always wished for a direct engagement with the President to discuss our contributions and challenges,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Imams also appealed for logistical support, requesting two vehicles; one for their leaders and another to facilitate outreach efforts across the country.<\/p>\n
Sheikh Kasawuli further urged boda boda riders and other members of the Muslim community to embrace government programs aimed at poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.<\/p>\n
Sheikh Abdul Kyabangi, Director of Bukandula College School in Gomba, commended President Museveni for prioritizing infrastructure development in the district, particularly the ongoing road construction project.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe President has not forgotten the people of Gomba. His commitment to road construction in our district is a testament to his dedication to development,\u201d Sheikh Kyabangi stated.<\/p>\n
He also praised the government\u2019s efforts in promoting patriotism, nationalism and socio-economic transformation across Uganda.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have seen the impact of patriotism and nationalism and now we appreciate the President\u2019s continued focus on socio-economic transformation for all Ugandans,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
However, Sheikh Kyabangi noted that many Imams are struggling to fully participate in socio-economic transformation due to financial and structural challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the government\u2019s vision is clear, Imams are facing difficulties in improving their livelihoods and fully engaging in economic empowerment programs, we however trust that the President\u2019s support will help us evolve tremendously,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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