Ismaili Community Joins Pan African Pyramid in Generous Relief Aid Donation to Kyaka Refugees

By Gad Masereka

Kampala, December 16, 2023 – The Ismaili Civic Community in Uganda, an extension of the global Ismaili Civic Engagement of the Aghakan, has partnered with the Pan-African Pyramid (PAP) to provide vital relief aid to Kyaka II Refugees Settlement in Kyegegwa District, Western Uganda.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, the Ismaili Community, guided by its mission to “serve humanity and improve the quality of life of the communities in which we live,” has donated relief items valued at UGX 5 million. The generous contribution includes household items, assorted clothing for women, children, and men, scholastic materials, and children’s play games, among other essentials.

Mr. Azhar Bandali Jaffer, the Chairman of Outreach for Aga Khan National Council and Managing Director of Fairway Hotel, handed over the donation to PAP’s founding speaker and Chairman, Andrew Irumba Katusabe, during a ceremony at Fairway Hotel.

Mr. Azhar pledged continued cooperation between the Ismaili Community and PAP, highlighting their ongoing charity activities. He noted that the community had already extended relief aid to four other vulnerable communities this December, including the disabled, orphans, and widows.

“As Ismaili, we frequently engage in charity activities, especially during holidays like these, and we are pleased to join the Kyaka Refugees project,” Mr. Azhar stated.

The Ismaili Community’s donation, along with other contributions still coming in, will be consolidated and delivered to the Kyaka II refugees camp on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023.

Pan-African Pyramid, a non-governmental organization collaborating with various partners, including The Gro Foundation, consistently conducts annual relief aid initiatives during the Christmas season, focusing on refugee camps across Uganda. The organization has successfully executed relief aid missions in Kiryandongo, Bidibidi, Rwamwanja, and Nakivale in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively.

More About Ismaili CIVIC Community

Reflecting the pluralism of the Muslim world, the Ismailis are a diverse community within the Shia branch of Islam, united by their belief in a living hereditary Imam of the Time from the progeny of Prophet Muhammad.

Guiding Principles & Themes Relevant To Ismaili CIVIC:

• Serving Humanity
• Improving the Quality of Life of the Communities
• Promoting Civic Engagement and Good Citizenship

Ismaili CIVIC Programs:

• Health: Blood donations, food distribution, health promotion, and education.
• Education: Early childhood development, adult learning, mentorship, language translation services, literacy, STEM programs.
• Economic Development: Poverty alleviation, small business/other skills training, career development support, clothing donation drive, affordable housing programs, newcomer support.
• Environmental Stewardship: Tree planting, recycling, parks, street & shoreline clean-ups, community waste management programs.
• Culture: Festivals, theatre, art exhibitions, among others.