Saudi envoy calls for unity among Muslims

By Sarah Nalule

Mohammed Bin Khalil Faloudah, the Saudi Arabia envoy to Uganda, has called for unity among the Muslim community as they prepare for the holy month Ramadhan.

Faloudah made the call on Monday while flagging off the distribution of Ramadhan food items donated by the Muslim World League to the needy Muslims in the country.

Faloudah said Ramadhan apart from being one of the five pillars of Islam, is the right time for the Muslims to forgive each other and get united – noting that the holy month is all about forgiveness and helping the needy.

The Muslim community in Uganda is deeply divided with some subscribing to Uganda Muslim Supreme Council leadership and others under the office of the Supreme Mufti at Kibuli.

“With the aim of promoting peace and unity among the Muslim community we have to use this opportunity to call upon all Muslims to solve their differences through peaceful ways,” he said

Muslim World League commended

Faloudah also commended the Muslim World League for the gesture saying humanitarian assistance is not just an act of generosity, but it is a shared responsibility that unites nations in the time of need.

“The government of Saudi Arabia has been long committed to support vulnerable communities worldwide and we reaffirm this commitment by sending a helping hand to Ugandans as they prepare for the holy month of Ramadhan,” he said

He said the assistance reflects Saudi Arabia’s respect for the Ugandan people and its desire to strengthen the bond of solidarity between Uganda and Saudi Arabia.  

“As we deliver the assistance we emphasise the importance of continued cooperation between our governments, humanitarian organisations and local communities,” Faloudah said.

Mohamed Gabriel Amum, the Muslim World League country director, said distributing food items to the needy is one of their regular activities to help them with food relief.

“The food items are distributed to both citizens and refugees targeting more than 2000 households in various areas in Uganda. The families are identified by their community leaders through registration,” he said

Saudi Arabia commended

Ambassador Yahya Ssemuddu, Uganda’s Envoy to Sudan, applauded the good leadership of Saudi Arabia for the continuous generosity of which several Ugandans have benefitted from.

“The cooperation between the two countries has allowed Uganda to benefit from different opportunities starting from scholarships and business, a big number of Ugandans are working from Saudi Arabia,” he said

He also appreciated the Muslim World league for the continuous support which it always gives to the needy in terms of charity and the various programs which are always conducted in our country mainly during Ramadhan.

“Since we have an overwhelming number of refugees in Uganda, we welcome such donations because the government cannot handle the burden alone,” Ssemuddu said.

Ramadhan lasts between 29 to 30 days and this year it is expected to commence on Saturday (March 1) if the crescent moon is sighted on Friday evening.

According to the Islamic teachings, Ramadhan is the most blessed month of the Islamic calendar and one in which God placed a great number of virtues, blessings and rewards for doing good.

Muslims are encouraged to do more charity during this holy month of fasting and uphold the utmost conduct in order to benefit from their fasting.