Africa-Press – Uganda. Hundreds of religious leaders across different faiths gathered in Butaleja District on Tuesday as the Woman Member of Parliament, Florence Nebanda, hosted a unifying event to appreciate their service and rally support in the fight against poverty.
Held at her constituency office grounds, the event drew sheikhs, imams, amilats, reverends, and other faith leaders from the Catholic, Anglican, and Muslim communities.
In her address, Nebanda stressed the importance of unity among religious institutions and warned against sectarianism.
She pledged to support all faith groups equally and encouraged them to embrace government poverty alleviation initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and the Women’s Livelihood Fund.
“I want to thank you for your cooperation. Let us rise above divisions and work together to empower our communities economically,” Nebanda said.
As a token of appreciation, she donated boxes of altar wine—each containing 12 bottles—to the Christian clergy.
She also promised to offer cattle to the Muslim community in preparation for the upcoming Iddi celebrations, noting she had already distributed Qurans to various mosques and vowed to continue her support if re-elected.
Butaleja District Khadi, Sheikh Mohammed Ramadan Muserengu, welcomed the gesture and praised Nebanda’s inclusiveness.
“He who sacrifices for others is rewarded by Allah,” he said, while also urging the MP to steer clear of divisive politics.
His counterpart from Budaka District, Sheikh Mohammed Zubair Haibala, echoed similar sentiments and thanked the MP for valuing Muslim voices.
However, he raised concerns over the apparent exclusion of Muslims from government development programmes, particularly the Parish Development Model, and called for more equitable distribution.
District Deputy Amilat Hadija Bint Musa used the occasion to appeal for support in helping Muslim women make the pilgrimage to Mecca.
She also highlighted rising domestic neglect in the community, saying many women had been left to fend for their families alone, with children dropping out of school as a result.
Yossia Habagaya, an aspiring MP for East Bunyole, praised Nebanda’s initiative as a symbol of unity.
“Engaging religious leaders in this manner reflects a commitment to working with all communities. Let’s maintain this spirit of togetherness,” he said.
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