Hajjat Namyalo Backs Ramadhan Charity Run, Rallies Youth to Support Vulnerable Families

By Gad Masereka

A renewed call for faith driven community action took center stage in Kyambogo on Tuesday afternoon when the Manager of the Office of the National Chairman, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, met a delegation of Muslim youth leaders seeking support for a charity initiative ahead of Ramadhan.

Leaders from Allied Muslim Youth Uganda and the Dusmans Daawa Initiative briefed Namyalo on their plans to organize the 2026 Ramadhan Charity Run, scheduled for 15 February at the Herman Padel Centre in Nsambya.

The event is designed to promote physical wellness while mobilizing resources for vulnerable families expected to struggle during the fasting month.

The meeting, described by participants as cordial and focused, reflected a growing trend of faith based organizations using public activities to respond to social needs. The organizers explained that proceeds from the run will fund food packages and essential household supplies for disadvantaged families, ensuring they are supported as they observe Ramadhan.

Namyalo welcomed the initiative, saying it reflects the deeper meaning of the holy month. She noted that Ramadhan is not only a period of fasting but also a time for renewed commitment to compassion and responsibility toward the less fortunate. Supporting the charity run, she said, aligns with Islamic teachings that place generosity at the heart of faith.

She cited Surah Al Baqarah verse 261, which likens charity to a grain that multiplies many times over, emphasizing that acts of giving carry immense spiritual reward. She also referred to Surah Al Maun, which cautions against neglecting the needy, arguing that belief must be demonstrated through practical action.

“We cannot separate worship from responsibility,” Namyalo told the delegation. “If our communities are struggling, then our faith calls us to step forward and respond.”

On behalf of the Office of the National Chairman, she pledged institutional support and encouraged Muslim youth, private companies and well wishers to participate actively by registering for the run and purchasing kits.

She stressed that broad participation would not only raise funds but also strengthen solidarity within the community.

Uthman Matovu, speaking for the organizers, said the endorsement provides both encouragement and visibility to the initiative. He described the charity run as a platform that merges spiritual preparation with social responsibility.

“This is about ensuring families maintain dignity during Ramadhan,” Matovu said. “When people come together to run, they are also helping to bridge the gap for those who may not have enough to put on the table.”

Registration for the event is ongoing, with organizers reaching out to institutions, youth groups and business leaders to partner in expanding its reach. They expressed optimism that the 2026 edition will draw participants from across Kampala and neighboring districts.

As preparations gather pace, the charity run is shaping up as more than a sporting event. It is being positioned as a statement of shared values, one that underscores unity, generosity and collective responsibility at a time when many families face economic strain.

Whether on the track or through financial contributions, organizers say every participant will be part of a broader effort to ensure that the spirit of Ramadhan is reflected not only in prayer, but in tangible acts of care.