UPC commits to supporting Muslims – says Akena at Iftar dinner 

Kampala | The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party says it is committed to continuing to support the Islamic faith in Uganda.

The promise was made by the party president Jimmy Akena on Monday, April 8 in the evening.

Akena was flanked by the secretariat staff led by Secretary General Fred Ebil, Assistant Secretary General, Ben Bakkabulindi Kigongo, Chief Administrative Secretary, David Baliraine, party President’s Personal Assistant Muramuzi Donald, Kampala District Chairman Fahad Isabirye and Kalema Sulait, paid a courtesy call to the Muslim brothers and sisters at Naguru Mosque, Kampala.

The foundation stone of the Mosque was laid by the late party icon, Adoko Nyekyon many years ago.

During the visit, Akena and his team were received by Deputy Imam of the Naguru Mosque Ahmed Rasak and Mosque Chairperson Abdullah Godo. He shared with the Mosque leaders a package of Iftar to be distributed to members of the Islamic faith.

The UPC leader applauded them for preaching peace and appreciating the spirit of coexistence. The Imam thanked him and his team for choosing Naguru Mosque out of the many, and appreciated the Iftar package.

Akena also thanked the Imam for giving his party the opportunity.

“There has been a tradition of parties inviting dignitaries for the Iftar dinner. As UPC, we thought ‘how can we make a difference?’ So, that is why this year we decided that let us contact one Mosque and see how we can play our role and be able to assist a larger number because our headquarters is small, we cannot host many people,” said Akena.

He said through the good offices of the Muslim leaders, they can be able to reach people who have gone through this fasting period.

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“On politics, we are engaging the season where a lot is going to be discussed and my Secretary-General mentioned. We are in a party known as a party of the people. So the interest of the people, the lives of the people, the quality of life is where our interest is.”

Where there is difficulty in the quality of life, Akena told the jubilant Muslims that “we are not happy”. “Where there is inclusiveness and equity in opportunity, that is what is right.”

“As UPC, we want equitable opportunity for every citizen of Uganda irrespective of where you come from, irrespective of your belief but you must have a chance in the share of the future of Uganda.

Akena, however, cut his political speech brief, saying: “But, today is not a day of politics. This is a day to respect those who have gone through these past days of fasting as we share opportunities.

“There are blessings in giving. We wish we could be able to do more but as we started here let us see how we can afford it in the future.”

Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Wednesday, April 10.