Moses Sentamu 
During the prayers ahead of dinner at the UCAA grounds in Entebbe municipality
Held on Tuesday evening, the iftar dinner was hosted by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) at its headquarters in Entebbe. It attracted a mammoth of Islam faithful, who praised the aviation authority for its generosity and sacrifice.
Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, the UCAA director general noted that the iftar gathering became an annual tradition, marked on the UCAA calendar since last year. “It allows the management and staff to share in the blessing of Ramadan while strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the aviation fraternity,” expressed Mr. Bamwesigye.
“As professionals in the aviation sector, we embody these values in our work, ensuring they reflect in our interactions, service delivery and overall commitment to excellence as we continue to grow Uganda’s aviation industry,” he added.
The director general also revealed that the Muslim fraternity “greatly” contributes to Entebbe airport’s passenger traffic especially the Hajj period and Umrah. Mr. Bamwesigye noted that 74,417 passengers arrived in Uganda through Entebbe airport and 86,618 passengers exited through the same airport bringing to a total of 161,035 passengers who transited through Entebbe airport last month February.
“Many of you are also prominent business men and traders, who frequently use Entebbe airport facilities. We thus, appreciate your patronage and revenue contributed to the country through the use of Entebbe airport and its facilities,” Mr. Bamwesigye stated.
Imam Abadallah Segujja who led the prayers, centred his preaching on sacrifice and giving. According to imam Ssegujja, sacrifice and donating is a strong pillar that advocates for sinners in front of Allah (God).
“It is divine to feed people. Most of the sicknesses that we suffer from today are a result of selfishness, whereby most of us no longer want to sacrifice and share whatever we have with others. Have you ever wondered why some of you seem to have everything yet keep flocking the hospitals over several illnesses? Whenever we do not share, we are automatically cursed,” Segujja preached.
Also present was Hajji Sowedi Serumaga, the chairperson of Muslim fraternity in Entebbe sub-district, who said, Ramadan (lent) period emphasises discipline, empathy and communal harmony. “It is a time to support one another, extend kindness and uphold highest standards of integrity and service,” Serumaga appealed.
Hon. Justice (Rtd) Steven Kavuma, the UCAA board chairperson noted that for long, a section of Entebbe airport was reserved for islamic prayers. “Even the newly constructed and expanded terminal building has a big space reserved for our Muslim brothers and sisters from where they can always conduct prayers,” he remarked.
He further expressed commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment that respects and celebrates cultural and religious diversity in Uganda’s Civil Aviation industry. The iftar dinner attracted hundreds who were treated to a buffet plus more food packed for each, to take home for daku (suhoor).
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