MTN donates food to Luzira prison inmates in Ramadan drive

COVID-19 | RAMADAN

MTN Uganda and its partner, Salaam Foundation donated food packages to the Luzira Maximum Prisons inmates yesterday, in a  Ramadan drive that has seen them deliver similar packages to various vulnerable Muslim communities in Kampala and neighboring areas.

This drive underscores the long-standing relationship between MTN Uganda and the Muslim community.

The food packages delivered to the inmates had rice, sugar, milk, cooking oil, maize flour, soap, tomatoes, and onions. These food items are meant to help the Muslim inmates as they break their fast during this holy period of Ramadan.

Ismail Hamwada MTN's Manager, Workforce planning said it is only proper that people fasting have proper Iftar.

"It is the second time we are donating to Luzira prison during Ramadan. This is MTN's way of celebrating with the Muslim faithful as they observe the holy month of fasting. We recently delivered similar consignment to Uganda police because of the good relationship with the security organs in the country," Hamwada said.

MTN's Ismail Hamwada (R) makes his remarks before handing over the food items to SP Jackson Kwihangwana (L) and Sheikh Muhammed Mulajje

 
On behalf of the Regional Prisons Commander, Akirapa Dinah Martha the senior rehabilitation and reintegration officer thanked MTN and its partner, Salaam Foundation for choosing prisons as one of their Ramadan beneficiaries.

"It is rare for people to think about people behind bars and we thank you for keeping the inmates in your thoughts especially during this Ramadan season," Akirapa said.

Sheikh Muhammad Mulajje, the Chief Imaam at the Luzira prisons mosque thanked MTN for the donation and prayed a blessing over the company for remembering the inmates.

Worth noting is that this year's Ramadan has come at a time when the country is locked down due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has made it hard for inmates to receive Iftar packages from their loved ones as movement is restricted.

Therefore, the move by MTN and Salaam Foundation will go a long way in helping the Luzira Maximum prisons inmates that are observing the holy month through fasting.

Today, the team delivered food packages to vulnerable Muslim communities in Entebbe at Abayita Ababiri and Lubugumu in Ndejje. Tomorrow, the team will deliver similar packages in Nalumunye before doing the same at Mukono Main Mosque and Nakifuma this Friday.

Other Beneficiaries of this project include the Kampala Imams Forum, Muslim Widows of Kawempe, and the Uganda Muslim broadcasters Union.  "They will all receive their food packages before the end of Ramadan, ahead of Eid," noted by MTN's Hamwada.