Published on 25/04/2025
The Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, Friday called on graduates of the 4th Idaad Class of 2024 at Nabisunsa Girls’ School to uphold Islamic values, embrace resilience, and remain steadfast in their pursuit of success.
Honoring the event as a Special Guest at the graduation ceremony on the evening, Hajjat Namyalo described Nabisunsa as a “holy place” that molded her into the leader she is today, expressing deep gratitude to her former teachers and classmates.
“I congratulate the theologians upon this great milestone. You have received a permanent blessing that will guide your lives with wisdom and light. Outside there, life is not easy, but your faith and knowledge will be your anchor,” she remarked, drawing from her own experiences of perseverance and spiritual grounding.
Recalling her days at Nabisunsa, including memorable moments in sports and academics, Hajjat Namyalo shared a personal story of triumph during a crucial basketball final against Namagunga, where encouragement from her teachers and teammates helped her lead the school to victory.
She urged the graduates, especially the young women, to resist societal pressures that might derail their dreams. “The world outside is tough and often unforgiving. Men may take advantage of you, but remember, your education and faith are your shield. Value your books more than the temptations of fleeting pleasures,” she cautioned emotionally.
She passionately spoke against societal biases that undermine Muslim girls, especially regarding education and marriage.
“Yes, marriage is a necessity and compulsory, but it shouldn’t rush you into abandoning your dreams. Your education is your crown,” she said. “Hold onto your faith and values. Do not let quick money or fleeting temptations rob you of your future.”
Deputy Headteacher Hajj Kimera Badru offered a fatherly charge to the graduates, congratulating them for their perseverance and urging them to become beacons of light in society.
“You are now graduates. Thank you for accepting to be taught during your precious time. But remember, after acquiring this knowledge, you must not sit on it. Go and teach, discipline, and lead by example,” he said.
He emphasized that this was only the beginning of their academic journeys, encouraging them to strive for higher achievements such as degrees, master’s, and doctorate levels.
“The sky is the limit,” he told them, while briefly recounting the history of Theology at Nabisunsa, which began its IDAAD (Islamic Theology) program in 2019, proudly noting the resilience of the students amid challenges like COVID-19.
In recognition of outstanding performances, the Headteacher Hajjat Zulaika Nabukeera Kabuye presented a special award to Nazma Aisha Muhammad, the best IDAAD student granting her a full bursary for her term 2.
“It gives me great joy to award you a scholarship for Term 2, 2025, worth UGX 1,908,000. Congratulations to you and your family!” she announced amid cheers from the audience.
Additionally, Dr. Mariam Nakimuli, Office Administrator at the National Chairman’s Office, further added to the celebrations by awarding UGX 500,000 to the second-best candidate, Namaganda Joweria Lukwago.
Hajjat Namyalo also awarded $200 to Nazma, the best student and pledged support for all the graduates, encouraging them never to lose hope.
In her concluding remarks, Hajjat Namyalo warned of the temptations young women face after school, especially given the perception of Nabisunsa girls as “beautiful and exceptional.”
“Men will try to take advantage of you. But do not be overtaken by events. Let your knowledge and faith guide you,” she urged,
The Chief Guest Dr Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu, Uganda’s Ambassador to Sudan and Special Envoy to Qatar, congratulated the 20 graduates, praising their discipline in balancing secular and theological studies. He singled out top student Nazma Aisha Mohammed, calling her a “golden girl” and a beacon of dedication.
He reminded the graduates that their knowledge must serve their communities, saying, “Let your education guide your actions, shape your values, and uplift others.” Quoting the Qur’an, he stressed the divine honor of those who seek knowledge.
As a gesture of support, Dr Ssemuddu handed over UGX 2.9 million, with Shs 1 million to the best student and shs 100,000 to each of the 19 others, urging them to continue their journey with purpose and faith.
The Idaad Examinations, an equivalent to the UCE or O’Level in the Lower Secondary are administered by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and are done upon completion of the mandatory four years of Islamic secondary school education. The set of exams precedes Thanawi, which are the equivalent of the Upper Secondary School Certificate.
