Partnerships
Iftar Dinner Highlights Faith, Unity, and National Service
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance hosted a special Iftar dinner on Tuesday, 10th March 2026, bringing together colleagues from government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as staff and guests, to mark the spiritual significance of the holy month of Ramadan. The event provided a platform for reflection on faith, national unity, and the shared commitment to service.
Welcoming the gathering, Hon. Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, highlighted the importance of diversity and unity in Uganda. He noted that while citizens may differ in ethnicity, region, or faith, “we are all Ugandans. Some common values and interests bind us together, and this dinner is a reminder that unity and mutual respect are essential for national development.”
The Minister reflected on the historical roots of the Abrahamic faiths, emphasising shared principles between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. “Even in faith, there is commonality. Fasting, compassion, and reflection are shared practices. There is no reason for people of different faiths to be enemies. We must work for peace, love, and unity to ensure a better quality of life for all Ugandans.”
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, encouraged staff and partners to embrace patience, gratitude, unity, and service to the nation, drawing strength from the spiritual reflection of this holy month. “Let patience, humility, and collective responsibility guide our interactions during these final days of Ramadan,” she said, emphasising that the values of Ramadan extend into both professional and personal conduct.
The evening featured a reflection led by Sheikh Muhammad Abdu-Weli, who reminded attendees of the spiritual significance of Ramadan, the value of forgiveness, and the importance of serving others. “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to mankind,” he noted, urging participants to combine spiritual devotion with positive contributions to their communities and workplaces.
The Chief Guest, Alhaji Abasi Mulubya Ssekyanji, Secretary General of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), addressed the dinner on behalf of the Mufti of Uganda. He highlighted the spirit of unity, compassion, and national service that Ramadan inspires, emphasising the role of communication, technology, and collaboration in promoting moral values, fostering peaceful coexistence, and advancing national development. “As Ramadan enters its final days, his message reminded us all to uphold empathy, gratitude, and national unity in both our personal and professional lives,” the Ministry reported.
The Ministry also took the opportunity to recognise the contributions of its member agencies, including the renewed leadership at the Uganda Media Centre, noting the importance of modern, effective communication in delivering government programmes to citizens.
Concluding the dinner, the Minister emphasised the need for forgiveness, empathy, and dedication across all government institutions. “I encourage all ministries to love one another, forgive grievances, and work with commitment to serve the citizens of this country. We are grateful to His Excellency, the President, for providing a peaceful and supportive environment that enables us to carry out our work effectively.”
The event closed with well-wishes for the remainder of Ramadan. Attendees shared in the spirit of the month, reinforcing the values of unity, compassion, and national service.
Ramadan Kareem and Eid Mubarak to all.
Welcoming the gathering, Hon. Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, highlighted the importance of diversity and unity in Uganda. He noted that while citizens may differ in ethnicity, region, or faith, “we are all Ugandans. Some common values and interests bind us together, and this dinner is a reminder that unity and mutual respect are essential for national development.”
The Minister reflected on the historical roots of the Abrahamic faiths, emphasising shared principles between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. “Even in faith, there is commonality. Fasting, compassion, and reflection are shared practices. There is no reason for people of different faiths to be enemies. We must work for peace, love, and unity to ensure a better quality of life for all Ugandans.”
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, encouraged staff and partners to embrace patience, gratitude, unity, and service to the nation, drawing strength from the spiritual reflection of this holy month. “Let patience, humility, and collective responsibility guide our interactions during these final days of Ramadan,” she said, emphasising that the values of Ramadan extend into both professional and personal conduct.
The evening featured a reflection led by Sheikh Muhammad Abdu-Weli, who reminded attendees of the spiritual significance of Ramadan, the value of forgiveness, and the importance of serving others. “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to mankind,” he noted, urging participants to combine spiritual devotion with positive contributions to their communities and workplaces.
The Chief Guest, Alhaji Abasi Mulubya Ssekyanji, Secretary General of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), addressed the dinner on behalf of the Mufti of Uganda. He highlighted the spirit of unity, compassion, and national service that Ramadan inspires, emphasising the role of communication, technology, and collaboration in promoting moral values, fostering peaceful coexistence, and advancing national development. “As Ramadan enters its final days, his message reminded us all to uphold empathy, gratitude, and national unity in both our personal and professional lives,” the Ministry reported.
The Ministry also took the opportunity to recognise the contributions of its member agencies, including the renewed leadership at the Uganda Media Centre, noting the importance of modern, effective communication in delivering government programmes to citizens.
Concluding the dinner, the Minister emphasised the need for forgiveness, empathy, and dedication across all government institutions. “I encourage all ministries to love one another, forgive grievances, and work with commitment to serve the citizens of this country. We are grateful to His Excellency, the President, for providing a peaceful and supportive environment that enables us to carry out our work effectively.”
The event closed with well-wishes for the remainder of Ramadan. Attendees shared in the spirit of the month, reinforcing the values of unity, compassion, and national service.
Ramadan Kareem and Eid Mubarak to all.
The author is a Communications Officer at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance.
