Ramadan Spirit Of Giving: Hajjat Namyalo Extends ONC Outreach To Universities, Police In Kampala

By Gad Masereka

Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Manager of the Office of the National Chairman, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, on Monday extended the ONC Ramadan outreach to university students and security officers in Kampala, delivering food relief packages and pledging further support to Muslim communities observing the holy month.

The day’s engagements began at Mutesa I Royal University and Buganda Royal Institute where Namyalo distributed Ramadan food packages to Muslim students as part of the Office of the National Chairman initiative aimed at supporting fasting believers who are balancing academic responsibilities with their spiritual commitments. At this venue, the food packages were received by Mr Siraje Kizito, patron of the Muteesa University Muslim Students Association, alongside student leaders at the institution.

Kizito commended the gesture and reflected on his personal connection with the visiting official, noting that he once taught Namyalo Geography during her Ordinary Level studies. He said the support would ease the challenges some students face during the fasting period.

“We thank the Office of the National Chairman and Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo for remembering Muslim students during this fasting period. Such support helps many students who may struggle to meet their daily needs while keeping up with their academic work,” he said.

Addressing the students, Namyalo urged them to remain disciplined and focused on their education, emphasizing that knowledge, good character, and faith remain essential pillars for personal growth and leadership.

She also announced a contribution of ten million shillings towards the construction of a Muslim students’ facility at the university. According to Namyalo, the support is intended to strengthen the welfare and spiritual life of students who require a dedicated space for prayer and other activities.

“We shall also reach out to well off Muslim brothers and sisters to support this cause so that the students can have a proper place for their activities and prayers,” she said.

From Mutesa I Royal University, the ONC manager proceeded to the Islamic University in Uganda Female Campus in Kabojja where she was received by the campus director, Dr Nabukeera Madinah. The visit provided an opportunity to interact with female students and learn about the institution’s efforts to empower young women through education and practical skills.

Dr Nabukeera explained that the campus hosts more than one thousand students enrolled in over one hundred and fifty courses across six faculties including law, education, science, management, and health sciences. She noted that the university maintains an inclusive policy that allows students of different faiths to study at the institution.

“We admit both Muslim and non Muslim students as long as they are willing to respect the rules of the campus including the dress code. At the moment about forty percent of our learners are non Muslims while sixty percent are Muslims,” she said.

The director also highlighted the university’s annual Run for Girl Education charity programme which raises funds to support financially disadvantaged learners. According to her, the initiative has already helped more than four hundred and eighty girls continue their education.

In a show of support for the students, Namyalo donated a cow to the campus to help the learners celebrate Eid collectively at the end of Ramadan. She encouraged the female students to remain determined in their academic journey and to overcome the financial and social challenges that often affect young women pursuing higher education.

Later in the day, Namyalo concluded the outreach with a visit to Kabalagala Police Division where she delivered fifty boxes of food relief packages from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to Muslim police officers and staff at the station.

While addressing the officers, she commended them for their dedication to maintaining law and order in Kabalagala, a busy Kampala suburb that faces challenges such as petty crime and drug abuse.

“Your work in maintaining peace and security in this area is highly appreciated. Even during Ramadan you continue serving the public diligently, and this support is meant to recognize that commitment,” she said.

The Officer in Charge of the division, ASP Awio Morris, welcomed the gesture alongside SP Ntomi Fred and ASP Nanyunja Sarah. He said the support would enable Muslim officers to observe the remaining days of Ramadan with dignity while continuing to serve the community.

The outreach forms part of the broader community support initiatives led by the Office of the National Chairman, which seek to assist vulnerable groups and strengthen solidarity among communities during important religious seasons. As the holy month continues, the programme is expected to reach more institutions and communities across the country.