The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDEN T | Renowned philanthropist and businessman Steven Keddi has underscored the importance of religious cooperation and mutual tolerance in fostering peace and nation building.
The Entebbe based Keddi, an Anglican, was speaking at a farewell luncheon he sponsored for about one hundred Muslims heading for Mecca today on Thursday to perform Hijra in fulfillment of the fifth pillar of Islam.
“I am an Anglican but when we work together that is when we can realise a more peaceful country as Ugandans. As Keddi Foundation our motto is ‘Serving Humanity.’” A Human being is a person and humanity are the people,” Keddi said as he explained that the organisation’s delight is helping people and communities realise their dreams.
At the ceremony some of the 2024 pilgrims funded by his organization, Keddi Foundation were each handed pilgrim packs that contained air tickets, prayer mats, an umbrella, a water bottle among others. The organization invested about 22.2million shillings in each of the pilgrims it funded.
The function took place at K2 Restaurant at Bukesa-Namirembe in Kampala where Sheikh Milaadu Kaluma, director of Al Hiba Tours and Travel also gave a briefing to the pilgrims. His company is handling travel for some of the pilgrims.
“We are here as Keddi Foundation to see off our brothers and sisters heading to Mecca to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam. Keddi Fundation is also facilitating some of our brothers and sisters traveling with Al Hiba Tours and giving them tickets and packs. We pray that they travel peacefully and also pray for our country Uganda and come back safely,” said Keddi.
He promised sponsorship that is not limited to only Muslims will next year be extended to up to two hundred Muslims.
Hijra, he said was meant to produce good Muslims – Hajis and Hajatis and Uganda becomes a better place because a religious person is less inclined to commit crime.
Sheikh Milaadu, asked the pilgrims to be spiritually prepared for the holy journey because it was very easy to perform the journey but end up without the reward attached.
“We are asking them to prepare well otherwise their money would have been wasted if somebody goes without that necessary preparation. We are also asking them to listen and keep in touch with their leaders because the language there is Arabic and some of them may not know it and can get lost.”
Performing Hijra is a requirement against every Muslims of means and according to Islam, reward from Allah (God) is attached to it. However, many Muslims die without making it because they cannot afford the cost of the journey.
Milaadu added his voice asking the pilgrims to pray for Uganda, which he said was having so many “problems and storms.” Uganda is a secular state that constitutionally promotes religious freedom but often sections of Ugandans complain of marginalization based on their faith.
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