By Mariam Namakula
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has pledged to extend support towards different developmental programs across universities in Uganda.
The Cultural Chancellor of the Embassy, Mr Mohammad Reza Ghezelsofla, made the revelation during the inter-university Quran competitions at Makerere Business School (MUBs) in Nakawa, Kampala, on Monday.
“I will try to do my best to support students’ education, this may not be to someone’s expectation, but it will be something reasonable,” Mr Ghezelsofla said.
He said the Embassy will also extend social and religious support.
Mr Ghezelsofla noted that with continued support from the government and cooperation by different organizations, the youth will learn many lessons.
He pledged to strengthen the relationship between Uganda and Iran, in particular the Cultural Counsel Office.
Mr Ghezelsofla, however, noted that they will extend their support to universities who exhibit interest in their programs.
“There is no limitation so long as you are interested in our competitions and other Iran services that will be extended to many universities even out of Kampala,” he said.
He said the main objective of the competitions support is to make university students take interest in religion, particularly the Quran.
The embassy has so far engaged three universities in the inter-university Quran competition this year with MUBs being the last this Ramadhan.
They competed in Quran recitation and Islamic quiz, and winners were awarded prize money.
Mr Ghezelsofla, therefore, urged Muslims, especially the youth to adhere to the norms of this holy month to develop their societies.
“The essence of the holy month is to purify one’s body in terms of physical and spiritual so whatever you do in Ramadhan, you must practice in society,” he said.
“The only way to see that one has achieved in Ramadhan is the change in character, therefore one had to protect their achievements of Ramadhan.”
The support budget will depend on the demand and supply, and also according to how big the project will be.
Dr. Francis Ochana, the chairman of the Vice Chancellors Forum and Vice Chancellor of Kentim University, said the program is targeting universities that are internally organized
“We can’t support you from where ever you are, you, therefore, need to join such competitions,” he said.
Dr Ochan urged youth to practice Islam, saying it is a religion of great importance in the development of Uganda, and that the Quran is a book of life, improvement and progress.
