UAE Ambassador to Uganda Hosts Interfaith Iftar Dinner to Promote Unity and Tolerance
H.E. Abdalla Hassan AlShamsi hosted an interfaith Iftar in Uganda to promote unity. Diverse leaders gathered to celebrate Ramadan and foster mutual respect. Dr. Ssemddu praised the UAE’s charity and ongoing support, while Hon. Oryem discussed ambitious projects strengthening bilateral relations. Religious leaders emphasized the gathering’s role in enhancing social cohesion.
In a commendable display of unity and respect during Ramadan, H.E. Abdalla Hassan AlShamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Uganda, organized an interfaith Iftar dinner last night. The event brought together diverse religious leaders, dignitaries, and government officials to break their fast collectively, fostering an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect in Uganda.
Dr. Rashid Yahaya Ssemddu, Ugandan Ambassador to Sudan, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, thanking Ambassador AlShamsi for promoting unity among different faiths in Uganda. He remarked on the nation’s tradition of coexistence, emphasizing, “No wonder that is what we always enjoy as Ugandans, where we always live together regardless of our religious backgrounds.”
Dr. Ssemddu also acknowledged the UAE’s benevolence, recalling the distribution of over 10,000 aid packages to the needy in the previous year, benefiting various vulnerable groups including refugees and police personnel. He assured that such charitable activities would continue in the current year.
The event served to strengthen bilateral relations between Uganda and the UAE. Hon. Henry Okello Oryem, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, noted the growing partnership and highlighted that the UAE is now Uganda’s largest source of foreign investment. He detailed projects such as a substantial international airport in Kidepo and the development of a nuclear power plant to meet energy demands.
Bishop Jackson Matovu, of the Central Buganda diocese, remarked on the spiritual dimensions of the gathering, observing that Ramadan coincided with Lent. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to unite over a shared meal, stating, “We want to thank God who has united us and used the ambassador to invite us to be together this evening to share the meal together as God’s people.”
Additionally, Bishop Matovu emphasized the importance of the Interreligious Council of Uganda, which promotes collaboration among various Christian denominations to advocate for national development. The interfaith Iftar exemplified the significance of dialogue across differing cultural and religious perspectives, leaving an enduring legacy of unity and respect in the community.
The interfaith Iftar hosted by H.E. Abdalla Hassan AlShamsi illustrates the profound commitment to fostering unity and cooperation among diverse religious groups in Uganda. The gathering not only facilitated breaking the fast during Ramadan but also reinforced Uganda’s dedication to social cohesion. Through continued charitable efforts and collaborative projects, the partnership between the UAE and Uganda plays a crucial role in promoting development and enhancing interfaith dialogue.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
