The spirit of sharing

Children enjoy food served by the Muslim community in conjunction with Sheraton Hotel Kampala. PHOTOS BY Abubaker Lubowa

What you need to know:

Fasting does not mean fasting food and denying others the privilege. Arafat Ndugga attended a dinner served by Sheraton Hotel in conjunction with the Muslim community.

Annually, Sheraton Hotel Kampala schedules one day during the fasting period to give back to the Muslim community in one way or the other. For the past four years, they have been offering Iftar (breaking the fast) to Muslim orphans in and around Kampala.

A week ago, the hotel hosted over 400 orphans in Rwenzori Ballroom. The four hundred students came from four different Islamic schools; Wakatai Secondary School, New Midland Islamic Primary School, Iqraa Quran School and Namagabi Secondary School.

Before dinner time, the pupils engaged in various sports activities like football, netball, volleyball in the hotel gardens. They later had their evening prayer (Maghreb) led by one of the guardians, Dinner was then served.

Addressing the guests, Ian Duncan, the General Manager of Sheraton Hotel Kampala said Ramadhan was not only about fasting, but is also about sharing and giving back to others. “As an all-inclusive hotel, we have chosen to identify with the Muslim community around us during this holy month by creating a memorable experience for the children and their caretakers from selected schools and Orphanages where they stay.

By 8pm, the event climaxed with a networking session where the students, teachers and guardians were engaged in before leaving the hotel.
Meanwhile, Airtel has been offering iftar to their Muslim customers and employees for the last two years and last Thursday evening they held this year’s edition at Hotel Africana Kampala in a simple dinner event.

The minimal attendance was ushered in the Kiibs Hall. The Airtel Money Director Nuhu Kanyike apreciated the Muslim community for the continuous support of Airtel and their initiatives like mobile money, and internet.

“At Airtel, we are a family regardless of religious affiliation. We are very glad to have them as our customers and would like to be part of their daily lives,” said Kanyike.
At 7pm, Muslims were offered their first iftar before going to the hotel’s mosque for prayer. On return, they were served a sumptuous meal.

On behalf of the Muslim fraternity, Ebraheem Ssali, the Secretary General of Union of Muslim Councils’ for East, Central and Southern Africa urged the guests to continue with discipline and commitment to God even after Ramadan.