By Aron Okotel (Journalist)
Students at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) have received food items and water tanks to support them during the ongoing Ramadan fasting period and in recognition of Women’s Month.
The donation, handed over on Friday in Mbale, included two 10,000-litre water tanks and assorted food supplies. The items were directed to the university’s Dawah Liaison Community Outreach programme and will specifically benefit students residing at Sumayah and Abu-Mayanja hostels.
Speaking during the handover, Pearl Bank Mbale Branch Manager Arafat Zaake explained that the initiative was intended to support Muslim students observing Ramadan while also recognizing the role of women during the globally observed Women’s Month.
Worldwide, Muslims recognize Ramadan as a month of fasting, communal prayer, reflection and spiritual growth. As a bank, we are pleased to collaborate with the IUIU community to provide assorted food items that will help students break their fast and prepare for Eid celebrations, Said Zaake.
He added that access to clean water remains a key concern for women, who often bear the responsibility of water collection in many communities.
He commended Muslims observing the fast, describing Ramadan as a time of commitment and dedication to spiritual growth.
The communities where we operate are at the center of what we do. Through this support, we hope students can break their fast comfortably and celebrate Eid with joy while also benefiting from reliable access to clean water, he added.
Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, Rector of the Islamic University in Uganda, welcomed the donation, describing it as timely support for the university community.
We thank Pearl Bank for extending this support. It has come at a time when it is greatly needed. Our students will benefit not only from the Eid food items but also from the water tanks, which will help ensure a constant water supply in the hostels, Said Ass Prof Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda.