ONC’s Hajjat Namyalo Champions Girl-child Education, Backs Science Infrastructure t Ibun Baz Girls graduation

The Office of the National Chairman (ONC) Manager, SPA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has reaffirmed her commitment to advancing education, girl-child empowerment, and community development, as she delivered a keynote message during the 2nd Thanawi graduation ceremony of Ibun Baz Girls Secondary School in Busei, Iganga District.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Qur’an and Science Are Not Parallel,” brought together religious leaders, education officials, parents, and government representatives to celebrate academic achievement and promote the integration of faith with modern education.

A total of 21 students graduated at Thanawi level, marking a significant milestone for the institution.

Representing Hajjat Namyalo, Wakiso District Khadhi Sheikh Erias Kigozi read her full speech and officiated parts of the event.

In her message, she expressed gratitude to Allah for enabling the school community to witness the occasion and commended the administration, teaching staff, and parents for their role in nurturing disciplined and hardworking learners. She emphasized that education, particularly for the girl child, combined with strong moral grounding remains a cornerstone of sustainable development.

“Education of the girl child, anchored in strong moral values and discipline, is fundamental to sustainable development, and it is through such commitment from all stakeholders that we build a stronger society,” she said.

According to her message, empowering girls through education is one of the most effective pathways to national transformation, as educated women strengthen families and contribute meaningfully to community and national progress.

Hajjat Namyalo further noted that education should not be viewed as an endpoint, but rather a foundation that must be accompanied by wisdom, humility, and purpose. She urged the graduates to apply their knowledge in service of their communities, uphold justice, and become agents of positive change.

“Empowering the girl child through education remains one of the most effective pathways to national transformation, because educated women strengthen families, uplift communities, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.

She encouraged the graduates to remain confident in their values, uphold integrity and modesty, and use their education to address societal challenges.

Citing Islamic teachings, she reiterated that Islam places great value on knowledge, referencing the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teaching that the best among people are those who learn and teach others.

She urged the graduates to become ambassadors of knowledge, faith, good character and continued learning among Muslim women.

A key highlight of the ceremony was her financial contribution towards the commencement of construction of the Namyalo Hadijah Science Laboratory Block at the school.

The gesture was widely welcomed by school leaders and the community, who described it as timely and vital in strengthening practical science education.

Sheikh Erias Kigozi, in his remarksl also announced a contribution of 30 sacks of cement towards the ongoing construction project, further reinforcing support for improved school infrastructure.

He added that the ONC runs an Umrah initiative through which outstanding students may be considered for spiritual reward opportunities as motivation for academic excellence.

School administrators used the platform to highlight pressing challenges, particularly the lack of a fully equipped science laboratory and the high cost of science textbooks.

They appealed for increased government and private support to strengthen science education in line with national priorities.

The newly elected Iganga District LC5 Chairperson, Muhando Shabiru Isabirye, who attended the function, called for the expedited restoration of Busoga University.

He commended Hajjat Namyalo for her empowerment programmes, noting that they have had a visible impact across communities beyond political affiliation.

Iganga District Khadhi Sheikh Sinani Muwanika also praised Hajjat Namyalo for her continued support to Muslim communities, including Ramadan Iftar programmes and food relief initiatives for vulnerable families, describing her as a consistent and committed leader in community development.

The ceremony ended with renewed calls for greater investment in education infrastructure, with stakeholders stressing that improved facilities, particularly science laboratories, remain essential for Uganda’s long-term development agenda.