Salam Charity, Muslim Aid Sri Lanka to launch Smart Community Program

By Abdussalaam Ali Kinobe

In efforts to promote community empowerment, Salam Charity Foundation a humanitarian arm of Salam Television in partnership with Muslim Aid Sri Lanka has launched an initiative known as the Smart Community Program in Rwampara District, Western Uganda. The program is designed to promote quality education, the values of the Islamic faith, and the eradication of poverty through sustainable development.

On a feasibility study led by Hajji Karim Kaliisa, the Managing Director of Salam Charity aimed at assessing the district’s needs and potential for impact, the team interacted with local leaders, community members, and religious institutions to gain firsthand insights into the socio-economic challenges facing the area.

Addressing Muslims of Buhiihi Mosque in Kinoni Town Council, Hajji Kaliisa informed them that “the initiative is more than aid—it’s about empowering communities to thrive independently.”

“Our partnership with Muslim Aid Sri Lanka brings together global experience and local understanding to implement solutions that are both relevant and sustainable.” He added.

The Smart Community Program will focus on three key pillars:

Supporting local schools through infrastructure development and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), teacher training, and scholarships for underprivileged students.

Strengthening religious institutions, supporting imams and Quranic schools, and promoting interfaith harmony.

Establishing livelihood programs such as vocational training, microfinance initiatives, and agricultural support to boost household incomes.

Representatives from Muslim Aid Sri Lanka who included Ibnu Yaseer Mohamed Mansoor and Faslan Thassim expressed their commitment to the collaboration, highlighting the program’s emphasis on innovation and self-reliance.

“We believe in working hand-in-hand with communities to build lasting change. Uganda’s Smart Community model can serve as a blueprint for similar interventions across the region,” Faslan said.

Religious and civic leaders in Rwampara commended the organizations for addressing the intersection of education, faith, and economic development in a single, integrated model.

The program is expected to roll out in phases with Rwampara serving as a pilot district before expanding to other parts of Uganda.