KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Ismaili Community in Uganda, an arm of the global Ismaili Civic engagement have donated a variety of relief items to the needy families in its quarterly charity drive to give back to the Ugandan community.
Dubbed the “Ramadan Food Drive”, the Ismaili Community on Sunday delivered food and other essential commodities to over 2,000 families gathered at Kibuli Mosque, Old Kampala Mosque, Uganda Islamic Council and Wandegya Mosques.
Among the relief items delivered included sugar, rice, wheat flour, soap, cooking oil, tea and beans, among other essentials.
Speaking to journalists after the donation drive, Mr Azhar Bandali Jaffer, the chairperson of the Ismaili Outreach Campaign under the Aga Khan National Council Uganda thanked well-wishers who contributed to the success of this year’s campaign, and urged each one in their own capacity to utilizie whatever they have and give back to the needy.
”It is our mission to serve humanity and improve the quality of life of the communities in which we live, but also, from a young age, we are taught the importance of supporting the community and doing charity work, so that’s why we support our brothers in need,” Mr Azhar said.
”By doing such humanitarian activities aimed at improving the communities in which they live, they don’t expect any payback by the beneficiaries, but it’s in their religious teachings that you have to share with the less privileged in your community for better co-existence and then God rewards you more,” he added.
Mr Goto Hussein, the Superintendent at Kibuli Mosque while addressing the Ismaili Community volunteers explained the historical background of the Mosque which has been in existence for over 100 years since being founded by the late Prince Nooh Mobogo around 1892.
“Its foundation was laid on 25th November 1941 by Prince Ally Khan the son of His Highness Sir Sultan Muhamed Shay Aga Khan and the mosque was completed in 1951 and opened for service that year,” Mr Goto explained.
The mosque sits on 80 acres of land donated by His Highness Prince Badru Kakungulu in memory of his father Prince Nooh Mbogo.
The Ismaili CIVIC Community is a global programme that unites the community around its centuries-old tradition of serving humanity by rendering voluntary service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which it lives, regardless of faith, gender or background.
Mr Azhar said the initiative demonstrates their core values of service, peace, compassion and care for the vulnerable.
In Uganda, the campaign is aimed at mobilising relief donations to support communities which have been adversely affected by the hard-biting economic times and financial hardships.
Other charitable and voluntary events that the Ismaili Civic organises relate to economic development, health, education, and environmental stewardship to protect natural resources and culture to promote language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts through festivals, theatre and art exhibitions.
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