By Frank Kamuntu
The Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has extended Ramadan relief support to Muslim inmates at Jinja Main Prison, delivering assorted food items aimed at supporting them during the holy month of Ramadan.
During her visit to the facility, Museveni’s Chief Muzzukulu was received by the Officer-in-Charge, Superintendent of Prisons Daniel Nsolonkambwe Ssekijjo, before handing over assorted Ramadan relief items as part of the ongoing outreach organised by the Office of the National Chairman.
While handing over the items, SPA Namyalo said the initiative was inspired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who directed that Muslims in prisons should also be supported during the holy month of Ramadan.
She explained that the President had reflected on the welfare of Ugandans in various circumstances, including those in correctional facilities, and emphasised the importance of ensuring that they are not left behind during important religious observances.
Namyalo urged inmates to use the holy month as a period of reflection, discipline and personal transformation, encouraging them to embrace positive change as they prepare for reintegration into society.
“Ramadan is a time for reflection, repentance and self-discipline. Use this period to reform and prepare yourselves for a responsible return to society,” she said.
She also cautioned young people against engaging in criminal activities, noting that prison life comes with significant hardships and should serve as a lesson to those tempted to pursue crime.
She further commended the prison authorities for their welfare and rehabilitation programmes aimed at reforming inmates and pledged that her office would explore areas where additional support could be provided.
Namyalo also assured the inmates that their concerns would be forwarded to the President for consideration, particularly for those who qualify for clemency based on long service, good conduct and demonstrated reform.
“I will ensure that your concerns are forwarded to President Yoweri Museveni for consideration, especially for those who qualify for clemency based on long service, good conduct and clear demonstration of reform,” she said.
Receiving the donation, SP Nsolonkambwe welcomed the gesture and thanked both SPA Namyalo and President Museveni for remembering inmates during the holy month of Ramadan.
He noted that such support boosts the morale of prisoners during the period of fasting and reflection, adding that Jinja Main Prison currently hosts more than 1,900 inmates, including both remanded and convicted prisoners, who would greatly benefit from the assistance.
He further assured that the donated items would be delivered to the intended beneficiaries.
Later in the evening, Namyalo proceeded to Iganga District where she joined the Muslim community at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters for breaking of the Ramadan fast (Iftar), during which she also extended Ramadan relief support to fasting Muslims in the area.
The Iftar gathering attracted Muslim leaders, local leaders, clerics and believers from across the region who convened to share a meal and prayers in observance of the holy month.
Addressing the faithful, Hajjat Namyalo commended the Muslim community for their continued support for President Museveni, noting that they have consistently voted for him in large numbers during past elections.
She said the support demonstrated the community’s confidence in the President’s leadership and his commitment to maintaining peace, stability and development in the country.
“Your continued support for President Museveni over the years is a clear demonstration of the confidence the Muslim community has in his leadership and his commitment to maintaining peace, stability and development in our country,” she said.
Hajjat Namyalo also revealed that President Museveni has pledged Shs20 billion to support Muslim women through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) as part of broader efforts to empower women economically.
She urged Muslim women to organise themselves and actively join SACCO groups so that they can benefit from the initiative once the funds are operationalised.
“The President appreciates the continued support from the Muslim community. He has committed Shs20 billion to empower Muslim women through SACCOs, and I encourage you to organise yourselves and participate in these groups so that you can benefit,” she said.
Museveni’s Chief Muzzukulu further called on the youth to remain disciplined, avoid criminal activities and focus on productive ventures that can improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.
The event concluded with prayers for peace, unity and prosperity for the country as Muslims continue observing the holy month of Ramadan.
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