I hosted the Muslim community at State House, Entebbe, where we broke the fast (Iftar) together. I thank them for honouring my invitation and congratulate them for coming this far in the month of Ramadhan.
I want to encourage the Muslim community to join me in the wealth creation sensitization drive that I am currently conducting across the country. Whereas we can have spectators in sports and theatre, wealth creation must involve everyone.
The Mufti raised the issue of fluctuating maize prices. My guidance on maize growing has been that it should be undertaken by people with large tracts of land. It is only profitable when practiced on a large scale. The small land-holders should use our four-acre model.
Africa is a rich continent. Our biggest challenge is the traditional lifestyle of most of our people yet they face modern challenges. That is why we must move to commercial agriculture at all levels, it will ensure most of our people get into the money economy.
I am glad that religious leaders in Uganda are now united and work under one umbrella. Indeed God commanded: "Love God with all your heart and might and love your neighbour as yourself." Jesus also asked: "How can you say that you love God whom you have never seen yet hate your neighbour?"
It is that unity that the NRM has always been preaching. How can you say you are religious when you are fighting each other? It was religious and tribal sectarianism that created problems for Uganda. I am glad that they formed the Inter-Religious Council in 2002 and now they are working together.
The government will support the issue of creating a Muslim matyrs site in Namugongo. We shall work with the Muslim leadership to document the story of the Muslim Martyrs and develop a site in their memory just like we have done with the Catholics and Protestants.
