By Richard Onapatum
The Vice President, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, has encouraged Muslims to seize the opportunity presented by the newly launched Islamic Banking services in the country.
Islamic banking, which adheres to principles prohibiting the charging of interest on loans (RIBA), offers an alternative financial system where lenders share in the profits or losses of projects instead.
Vice President Alupo emphasized the significance of the newly launched Salaam Bank, affirming that it will facilitate full access to banking services for Muslims, including avenues such as the Parish Development Model funds aimed at household wealth creation.
“Now there’s no reason why the Muslim community should not enjoy fully the banking services, including access to Parish Development Model funds for household wealth creation,” Alupo remarked.
She highlighted the government’s commitment to urging the Muslim community to engage with government programs, leveraging the existing structures of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) spanning from national to grassroots levels.
Speaking at the Ramadan National Iftaar Dinner held at the Gaddafi National Mosque in Kampala, Alupo underlined the NRM Government’s dedication to collaborating with the Muslim leadership and community for development and wealth creation initiatives.
Acknowledging the contributions of the Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Ramadan Mubajje and the General Assembly in enhancing the inclusivity of UMSC’s new constitution, Alupo praised the government’s support for this historical development.
Alupo also emphasized the government’s commitment to security and peace across Uganda, extending support to other African countries when needed. She stressed the importance of interfaith dialogue and unity in consolidating peace and freedom of assembly.
Expressing gratitude to the Muslim community for their hospitality during Ramadan, Alupo called for empathy towards Muslim workers and advocated for the continuation of divine practices beyond the holy month.
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Ramadan Mubajje, commended the government for fostering peace and security, enabling economic development. He announced the annual recurrence of the Ramadan Iftaar Dinner as an opportunity for peaceful interaction and prayer.
The event, attended by dignitaries including the 1st Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, ambassadors, members of parliament, judiciary, education, academia, security, business community, RCC, artists, and the media, underscored the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in advancing national development goals.