Hajjat Namyalo Leads Third Ramadhan Charity Run To Raise Funds For Vulnerable Families

By Gad Masereka

The usually calm grounds of Herman Padel Centre in Nsambya came alive with colour and purpose on Sunday morning as runners, clerics, youth leaders and community members gathered for the third edition of the Ramadhan Charity Run.

At the centre of it all was the Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the Office of the National Chairman, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, who stepped forward not only to flag off the race but to lead it as the Chief Runner.

Hajjat Namyalo set the pace for the charity run alongside Counsel Usama Ssebuufu, urging Ugandans to treat Ramadhan not only as a time of fasting but as a moment to stand with families struggling to afford a meal to break their fast, saying that unity across faiths is the key to lifting communities forward.

The initiative, organised by a coalition of Muslim youth groups, seeks to raise funds to support vulnerable families ahead of and during the holy month Ramadhan.

The Organising committee chairperson Matovu Faizo thanked participants for turning up in large numbers and paid tribute to Hajjat Namyalo for embracing the cause. “When leaders show up physically and run with us, it gives this cause credibility and energy,” he said.

Counsel Usama, who contributed five million shillings towards the drive, thanked both Muslims and non Muslims who took part.

He described the run as a reminder that public office should serve ordinary citizens rather than burden them. Without naming individuals, he criticised leaders who misuse their positions to exploit the less privileged. “Some have occupied offices and used them to oppress the poor or divert resources meant for communities,” he said. “What we are seeing here is different. Hajjat always thinks about the vulnerable and even adds her own resources to make sure people are helped.”

He also commended her for consistently prioritising Islamic causes and thanked Allah for enabling the event to take place.

Other well wishers, including businessman Mr Wee, pledged support, with Wee contributing 7.5 million shillings to the initiative.

For her part, Namyalo announced a personal contribution of ten million shillings and pledged additional backing from the Office of the National Chairman. She revealed that plans are underway to launch Islamic insurance in Uganda in the middle of Ramadhan, describing it as part of a broader effort to strengthen the economic security of Muslim communities. “Both the poor and the rich need each other,” she said. “Charity is not about superiority. It is about responsibility.”

She credited Counsel Usama for bridging the gap between her office and the organisers, noting that he had first informed her about the run.

She also used the platform to speak directly to young women in attendance, urging them to make careful choices in relationships and to value patience over material gain.

After completing the symbolic run, Namyalo presented medals and certificates to outstanding participants. She later received a medal and certificate herself in recognition of her role as Chief Runner. The Office of the National Chairman, represented by Hajjat Namyalo and its head of communications Moses Kintu, also received a certificate on behalf of the institution.

Beyond the speeches and pledges, the day carried a deeper message. In a city where many families quietly struggle to put food on the table, the run served as both a fundraiser and a public declaration that faith must translate into service.