Hajjat Namyalo Urges Muslims to Embrace Spiritual Renewal During This Ramadan

As millions of Muslims in Uganda prepare to begin the annual Ramadan fast, one of President Museveni’s top aides has weighed in with a message urging the faithful to look beyond the physical demands of fasting and focus on inner transformation.

Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, who manages the Office of the NRM National Chairman and serves as Senior Political Assistant to Mr Museveni, anchored her Ramadan address heavily in Qur’anic scripture, a departure from the typically political tone associated with statements from her office.

Quoting three separate verses from the Holy Qur’an, Hajjat Namyalo made the case that the fasting season should be understood first and foremost as a spiritual exercise rather than a ritual one.

“Fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink; it is about purifying the heart, controlling our actions and strengthening our obedience to Allah,” she said.

The ONC Manager opened her religious argument with Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183): “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, that you may attain righteousness.”

She interpreted the verse as evidence that fasting is designed to build piety and personal discipline among believers.

A second verse from the same chapter — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185) — formed the next pillar of her message: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”

Hajjat Namyalo told Muslims the passage positions Ramadan as a season uniquely tied to divine guidance and deep reflection.

Perhaps the most striking of her citations was Surah Az-Zumar (39:53): “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah.”

She said the verse should give comfort to those who feel burdened by past mistakes, describing Ramadan as a window of mercy and renewed beginnings.

Call for charity, peace

Turning to matters closer to home, the NRM official asked the Muslim community to direct the spirit of the holy month toward practical acts supporting the vulnerable through charity, fostering harmony within families and neighbourhoods, and offering prayers for Uganda’s progress.

“Ramadan is a period of repentance, self-reflection and forgiveness. It is a time to renew our spiritual commitment to Almighty Allah and to embrace good morals, unity and compassion,” she said.

She closed her message with a prayer: “As we fast and pray, may Allah accept our supplications, forgive our shortcomings and grant our nation peace and prosperity.”

Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, is expected to commence globally on the evening of February 17 or 18, subject to the sighting of the crescent moon and confirmation by Islamic authorities. It is widely regarded as the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.