Museveni’s aide rewards top Quran reciters with wealth creation items worth millions

Kampala, (UG):– A total of 20 contestants in the the National Quran Competition Finals on Sunday walked away with wealth creation items worth millions of shillings from President Museveni’s Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC) – Kyambogo.

During the grand finale held on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Kampala Serena Hotel, the ONC Manager, SPA/PA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, donated a range of wealth creation tools, including sewing machines, car washing machines, popcorn-making machines, hair dryers, and clippers, to support the contestants in their livelihoods.

The National Quran competition, aimed at promoting a deeper understanding of the Quran, nurturing young talent in Quranic recitation and memorization, and fostering unity within Uganda’s Muslim community, featured two categories: Half Quran and Full Quran recitations for both boys and girls.

In the Boys’ Half Quran category, Lugemwa Imran secured the top position with an impressive 98% score, while Nagginda Rayyan won the Girls’ category with 92%.

For the Full Quran category, Suhail Adam emerged as the overall winner in the Boys’ section with a remarkable 97.1%, followed by Osman Zaidi (96.85%) and Ukasha Ssemogerere (96%). In the Girls’ category, Nankinga Shamirah took the top spot with a 92% score.

The grand winners, Suhail Adam and Nankinga Shamirah, each received a brand-new car courtesy of Success Motors alongside other gifts from the organizers.

Speaking as the special guest, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo commended the Iraji Foundation for its dedication to uplifting Islamic values among young Muslims and pledged continued support to ensure the competition becomes an annual event.

“Thank you, Iraji Foundation and Biggie Events, for organizing such a wonderful event. Today’s competition proves that the Quran remains at the center of our faith. It is our collective responsibility to nurture our children in Islamic values from an early age,” she said.

Namyalo reaffirmed ONC’s commitment to empowering Muslim youth through economic initiatives, stating; “As the Office of the National Chairman, we are determined to uplift you from poverty. These tools are an opportunity to generate income alongside your studies or daily work.”

Hajjat concluded her speech with a powerful Quranic recitation, captivating the audience in awe of amazement by her full knowledge of the Islamic book before urging them to support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s 2026 re-election bid.

The Chief Guest, Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, who is also the Titular Head of Uganda’s Muslim Community, applauded the organizers for their dedication to Islamic values and praised the teachers for grooming young reciters to compete at a national level.

Prince Nakibinge further appreciated the sponsors, particularly Hajjat Namyalo’s ONC, for their significant financial contribution and gifts to the contestants, urging that the competition be institutionalized as an annual tradition.

On behalf of the organizers, Ms. Mariam Mutakubwa, Managing Director of Biggie Events, shared insights into why her company, known for organizing secular music events, chose to host the National Quran Competition, emphasizing the importance of religious engagement.

The finals were also graced by notable public figures, including the 2nd Deputy Katikkiro of Buganda, Hajj Twaha Kawaase Kigongo, the Supreme Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Muhammad Galabuzi, and Counsel Yusuf Usaama of Good Money Fraternity, among others.