The association of Fishers and Lake Users of Uganda (AFLU) has boosted the upcoming Ramadan Duwa prayers with two bull. The Bulls were handed over this afternoon to the manager Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye aka Chief Muzzukulu as preparations continue in high gear.
Under the stewardship of Hajjat Namyalo, ONC is set to host Duwa prayers and officially launch Islamic Banking, particularly Salaam Bank, on March 27, 2024, at Kololo ceremonial grounds and gates will open by 10 am.
During a press briefing this afternoon, Hajjat Namyalo expressed gratitude to President Museveni for permitting the Islamic Banking System in Uganda and for enacting the Islamic Banking law further noting that the Ramadan Duwa prayers have also been organized as token of appreciation to President Museveni for these initiatives.
Thousands from the Muslim community are anticipated to gather at Kololo Ceremonial Ground for the Ramadhan Duwa Prayers, where President Museveni is set to grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.
According to Hajjat Namyalo, President Museveni will utilize this significant gathering to officially launch Salaam Bank, a pioneering financial institution committed to offering banking services and loans in accordance with Islamic principles, with zero interest rates.
Consequently during the event, the Kyambogo-based office will facilitate the breaking of fast (Iftar) and distribute food items to the Muslim fraternity, particularly focusing on underprivileged communities. Over 20,000 people are expected to benefit from this donation.
It’s worth noting that the Bank of Uganda granted its first Islamic banking license on September 8 2023 to Salaam Bank Uganda, a subsidiary of a Djibouti-based bank. The Ugandan parliament passed legislation in June to authorize Islamic banking, which president Yoweri Museveni signed into law in August 2023. The legislation removed the requirement to establish a “central sharia advisory council”, which the Bank of Uganda had opposed.
Back To The Donation From The Bighearted Fishermen
While handing over the cows to Hajjat Namyalo, AFLU chairman Mr. Ssenyonga Kambugu Geoffrey noted that as fisheries and lake users in Uganda, they stand together with Chief Muzzukulu in her struggle to bring Museveni back on the ballot.
“We have come here to officially tell Hajjat Namyalo that we are in full support for her good activities including her poverty eradication and empowerment campaigns and bringing Museveni back on the ballot for 2026 elections,” Mr. Ssenyonga said.
Mr Ssenyonga however requested Hajjat Namyalo to push their appeal to Museveni to introduce tight regulations against those practicing illegal fishing methods that have since left the lake empty with no fish.
“We appreciate the efforts government is putting in place to curb bad fishing practices like ‘hurry up’ that catches both young and mature fish. We want all fishermen to use the kyota-kyota method which only picks mature fish. By doing this, we shall have a lake with enough fish and we shall be able to keep strong in business,” Mr Ssenyonga added.
Mr Ssenyonga also requested Namyalo to inform the president that fishing community is not benefiting from the Parish Development Model (PDM) cash saying this money is too little to boost the well being of lake users.
“Hajjat Namyalo kindly push our appeal to Museveni, we request that they give us enough money through these government programs. You can’t give UGX 1 million to a fisherman whose boat costs Ugx25m, it won’t have a reasonable benefit to him,” he emphasized.
In response, Hajjat Namyalo promised to let her boss know about all the challenges affecting his bazzukulu especially the fishermen and lake users saying that for long, Museveni’s dream has been ensuring an economically stable country and so can’t stay silent when his people are suffering.
“Am happy first and foremost for coming to support Office of the National Chairman in its move to prepare a mega event for our Muslim community and Ugandans at large. Am really touched by your pain of no more fish in lakes due to poor fishing methods but these are small matters that will be solved by our Jajja Museveni,” Hajjat Namyalo said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Muzzukulu called upon all the Bazzukulu especially Muslims and friends of the Muslim fraternity to come in large numbers and benefit from the donation her office will be giving out.
“As you are all aware, on that day we are not just breaking fasting for our brothers and sisters from the Muslim community, we shall be donating food items but also have a moment to share and hear from our chairman Museveni,” Hajjat Namyalo added.
Hajjat Namyalo also revealed that some well-wishers including Salaam bank have already boosted the preparations with relief items such as rice, sugar, beans, posho, soap, cooking oil among others.
