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KAMPALA - The Minister for Information Communication Technology (ICT) and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi has commended Muslims for having a sense of deep spirituality.

“At a personal level, I do respect Muslims for two reasons. You do not hide your faith and you are not ashamed of it through the way you dress and when the time for prayer comes, you stop whatever you do and go for it. Also when I am traveling and time for prayers approaches, I tell my driver to make a stopover and pray and that is how I respect Muslims,” he noted.

He was speaking at an event at which his ministry treated Muslims to a sumptuous iftar dinner on Thursday (March 22, 2024),.Iftar is the fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims in Ramadan.

Baryomunsi said he has much respect for Muslims because they clearly identify themselves with their faith.

Giving an example of a Christian man he found in a restaurant but used his feet to make the cross before eating for fear of being seen, Baryomunsi said Muslims have a sense of deep spirituality.

Baryomunsi urged Muslims to practice their faith freely saying the National Resistance Movement (NRM) does not only believe in freedom of worship but it also promotes it. 

“At one point in our history, there was a time when state and religious institutions were in conflict and people didn’t want to identify with any religion but ever since NRM came into power, this has stopped. Therefore, do not be ashamed to practice your religion for as long as you do it without violating any law,” Baryomunsi said.

Some of the Muslims who turned up for the Iftar dinner for Muslims at the ministry ICT Kampala on March 21, 2024. (All Photos by Ronnie Kijjambu)

He said the Government has already made a proactive decision that is sort of a standby regulation that in any appointment all religions in addition to regions and gender have to be considered.

“If you are appointing a board of an entity, it cannot be endorsed by the Cabinet if it does not cater to all religions, regions, and genders,” he said.  

Baryomunsi wished Muslims a good fasting period.  

State minister for Information Communication Technology and National Guidance, Joyce Ssebugwawo thanked Muslims for adhering to the call of God.

Dr Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance implored Muslims to use the month of Ramadhan to reflect on God’s mercy.
“Islam teaches us to be peaceful and we should reflect on this because this is the very reason we have Ramadhan every year,” Zawedde said.

She said the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U) is improving connectivity to improve people’s lives. She encouraged the staff of her ministry to lead by example.

In a sermon, Sheikh Muhammad Abduweli, the Imam Masjid Tawhid in Mengo Kisenyi implored Muslims to be humble and exercise forgiveness among themselves. 

He said the most loved before God is the person who benefits others. “Islam is about transforming the world. Always ask yourself, what is your contribution to others? If you are not doing good to others, even if you pray, fast, make a pilgrimage to Mecca, this will not help you on the Day of Judgment,” Abduweli said.

Quoting from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Abduweli said a bankrupt person is one who prays but transgresses others.