By Alfred Opio
The Muslim community in Pallisa District has received a donation of food items from the Woman Member of Parliament–elect, Catherine Achola, to support believers during the holy month of Ramadan.
The donation was handed over at Nalufenya Mosque where hundreds of Muslims gathered to receive the items that will help them break their daily fast.
During the event, Achola donated 4,900 kilograms of posho and 980 kilograms of sugar, which will be used to prepare meals for Muslims who gather at the mosque for evening prayers and the breaking of the fast.
In addition to the food items, the MP-elect also donated 1,000 tree seedlings, encouraging the Muslim community to plant them at various mosques across the district as part of efforts to promote environmental conservation.
While addressing the congregation, Catherine Achola said she decided to join the Muslim community during the holy month as a sign of unity and appreciation for their devotion to prayer and fasting.
She noted that Ramadan is an important period that encourages reflection, reconciliation, and moral values within society.
“Today we come to join our Muslim brothers in this holy month of Ramadan. They dedicate many days to prayer and fasting, and if one is not a committed believer, it becomes very difficult to observe the fasting season. I found it befitting to come and share with them during this holy month,” Achola said.
She added that the period following political campaigns had been characterized by tension and disagreements, but Ramadan provides an opportunity for reconciliation and unity among communities.
“We are coming from a moment of campaigns where there has been a lot of friction and hate. But this holy month of Ramadan gives us an opportunity to reconcile before Allah and also among ourselves,” she added.
Achola also emphasized the role of religion in addressing moral challenges in society, saying that practices such as fasting and prayer help instill discipline and good character, especially among young people.
She noted that many children and youth take part in the fasting period and that leaders have a responsibility to support and guide them.
“Religion should not divide us; instead it should unite us. When we stand together and support one another, we build a stronger and more moral society,” she said.
Achola further explained that the food donated would be prepared at the mosque so that Muslims who may not have meals at home can break their fast before returning to their families.
“Some people may not have food to break their fast. With this small gesture, they can come here, share a meal and then go back home to look for something else. It is a gesture of brotherly love,” she said.
Receiving the donation, Hammed Abunasuru, the Imam of Nalufenya Mosque and leader of Imams in Pallisa District, thanked Achola for the support, describing it as a thoughtful and practical gesture to the Muslim community.
He noted that delivering food directly to the mosque is more convenient for Muslims compared to invitations to private homes, which some leaders often organize during Ramadan.
According to Imam Abunasuru, such invitations can be difficult for many Muslims to honor due to long distances and other commitments during the fasting period.
He commended Achola for recognizing the challenges faced by the faithful and choosing to support them in a way that directly benefits the wider Muslim community during Ramadan.
