President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni hosted Muslim leaders and faithful for a special Iftar dinner at State House Entebbe, marking another year of his tradition of breaking the Ramadan fast with the Islamic community. The event brought together religious leaders, government officials, and members of the Muslim community in a celebration of faith, unity, and national development.

In his address, President Museveni congratulated Muslims across Uganda for observing the holy month of Ramadan with devotion. “We are left with only a few days for Ramadan to end. We pray that God keeps us safe until the end,” he said. His words resonated with guests who had gathered after a day of fasting, reflecting on the spiritual significance of the month.

Beyond spiritual matters, the President emphasized the importance of economic empowerment alongside religious devotion. He urged Muslim leaders to encourage their followers not only to worship but also to actively work toward improving their livelihoods. “You the religious leaders, I think you should begin helping your people to develop the thinking of worshipping and working as well,” he advised. This dual focus on faith and productivity has been a recurring theme in Museveni’s engagements with religious communities.

A key highlight of the evening was the President’s praise for the Muslim community’s growing participation in the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government initiative aimed at lifting households out of poverty through direct financial support. Some Muslims had initially hesitated to join the program due to concerns about interest (riba), which is prohibited in Islam. However, Museveni clarified that the funds distributed under PDM carry no exploitative terms.

“I’m glad that you finally accepted my PDM money because some people had misinterpreted that money, saying that it has riba,” he explained. “The government of Uganda is our grandparent, and this grandparent gives you money every year per parish, and this money is yours—it’s not going back to the government. The five percent we are putting on the one million shillings each year is only to maintain the value of that money so it keeps its purchasing power.” His reassurance was met with approval from attendees, many of whom have begun benefiting from the program.

The President also took the opportunity to commend Ugandan Muslims for embracing unity and rejecting sectarianism. He contrasted the peaceful coexistence of different Islamic sects in Uganda with the religious conflicts seen in other parts of the world. “I want to thank you for listening to our message of unity. You can see how the world is in chaos because of misinterpreting religion,” he said. “I don’t think God said Catholics and Protestants should fight Muslims or vice versa. Those who practice discrimination are driven by greed.”

Museveni’s remarks celebrated the presence of Sunnis, Shias, and Ahmadiyya Muslims at the event as a sign of harmony. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting freedom of worship, stating, “Why do you interfere in the freedom of worship? Let them worship as long as they don’t break the law.” This principle has been a cornerstone of his government’s approach to religious diversity.

In a gesture of practical support, the President donated 10 tractors to be distributed across Uganda’s 10 Muslim regions. The contribution is expected to boost agricultural productivity in Muslim-majority areas, aligning with his broader push for economic self-sufficiency.

Vice President Jessica Alupo, who also attended the dinner, thanked President and First Lady Janet Museveni for their consistent hospitality toward the Muslim community. “Uganda is one of the countries where all religious denominations are respected, honored, and given maximum freedom of worship,” she said. “This is due to your strategic and visionary leadership and the NRM’s practice of non-discrimination.”

Sheikh Waiswa Muhammad Ali, representing the Mufti of Uganda, expressed deep gratitude for the annual Iftar dinner, calling it a meaningful gesture of inclusion. “We do not take this for granted,” he said. He also praised Museveni for supporting the Muslim community through government programs that promote socio-economic transformation.

The evening was more than just a meal—it was a reaffirmation of Uganda’s national values. As guests shared food and conversation, the event underscored the country’s unique model of interfaith harmony. In a region where religious tensions sometimes flare, Uganda’s commitment to unity under Museveni’s leadership stands out.

With Ramadan nearing its end, the State House Iftar served as both a spiritual and civic reminder: that faith and development can go hand in hand, and that a nation thrives when its people stand together. As Muslims prepare for Eid celebrations, the President’s message of unity and shared progress lingers—an invitation to build not just a stronger religious community, but a stronger Uganda.