By Patriot corps
Vice President of Uganda, Hon. Jessica Alupo, delivered an eloquent representation of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s speech at the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) held at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School pitch on 12th December 2024. Her delivery resonated with the President’s profound appreciation for the Council’s achievements and his unwavering commitment to religious harmony and national development.
In her address, Hon. Alupo congratulated UMSC on its 50 years of steadfast service to Uganda’s Muslim community. She echoed the President’s gratitude towards Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, and other Muslim leaders for their dedication in organizing the Jubilee celebrations and fostering the growth of the Muslim faith in Uganda. Hon. Alupo emphasized the significance of UMSC’s efforts in promoting unity and social development, aligning closely with the NRM government’s vision.
Hon. Alupo reiterated President Museveni’s acknowledgment of UMSC’s collaboration with the government to extend social services and champion the wealth creation campaign, which seeks to eradicate household poverty. She underscored the President’s belief in religious freedom as a cornerstone of the NRM’s governance, while firmly denouncing the misuse of religion to sow division among Ugandans.
Quoting the President, she emphasized that Uganda’s progress hinges on prioritizing common interests that transcend religious and tribal lines. The Vice President commended UMSC for its role within the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda in fostering cooperation among various faiths to address national development issues collectively.
Highlighting the country’s achievements, Hon. Alupo pointed to the prevailing peace, stability, and modern infrastructure as essential enablers for economic growth. However, she stressed the need for these advancements to translate into tangible benefits for all Ugandan households. She urged the Muslim community to take an active role in wealth creation by engaging in profitable enterprises across the sectors of commercial agriculture, industry, ICT, and services.
Hon. Alupo passionately conveyed the President’s call to action for households to move beyond subsistence farming and integrate into the modern money economy. She outlined government initiatives, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the Youth Fund, designed to empower communities and enhance livelihoods.
In conclusion, Hon. Alupo reaffirmed President Museveni’s commitment to partnering with faith-based organizations like UMSC to uplift communities and eradicate poverty. She joined in celebrating the Golden Jubilee milestone and prayed for Allah’s blessings on UMSC’s future endeavors, reiterating the shared vision of building a prosperous Uganda for all.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations were a testament to the enduring partnership between faith institutions and the government in fostering unity, development, and prosperity for the nation.