Iganga — The Office of the National Chairman (ONC) Manager, SPA Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has reaffirmed her commitment to advancing education, girl-child empowerment and community development, in a keynote message delivered at the 2nd Thanawi graduation ceremony of Ibun Baz Girls Secondary School in Busei, Iganga District.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Qur’an and Science Are Not Parallel,” drew religious leaders, education officials, parents and local leaders, reflecting a shared commitment to integrating faith-based values with modern education.
A total of 21 students graduated at Thanawi level, marking a key milestone for the institution.
Ms Namyalo, who was represented by Wakiso District Khadhi Sheikh Erias Kigozi, used her message to commend the school administration, teachers and parents for nurturing disciplined and hardworking learners. She also expressed gratitude for the progress made in promoting holistic education.
“Education of the girl child, anchored in strong moral values and discipline, is fundamental to sustainable development,” her message read, noting that such efforts are central to building a resilient and inclusive society.
She emphasised that empowering girls through education remains one of the most effective pathways to national transformation, as educated women contribute significantly to family welfare, community stability and national development.
Ms Namyalo urged the graduates to view education not as an endpoint, but as a foundation for lifelong growth, calling on them to apply their knowledge with humility, integrity and a sense of purpose.
She also encouraged them to uphold justice, embrace continuous learning and become agents of positive change in their communities.
Drawing from Islamic teachings, she highlighted the importance of knowledge, referencing the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) guidance on learning and teaching, and urged the graduates to serve as ambassadors of faith, character and education.
A key highlight of the ceremony was her financial contribution towards the construction of the Namyalo Hadijah Science Laboratory Block, a project aimed at improving practical science learning at the school.
The initiative was welcomed by school leaders and the wider community, who described it as a timely intervention to address gaps in science education infrastructure.
In his remarks, Sheikh Kigozi announced an additional contribution of 30 sacks of cement towards the project, reinforcing support for improved facilities. He also noted that the ONC runs an Umrah initiative through which outstanding students may be considered for spiritual reward opportunities as an incentive for academic excellence.
School administrators, however, pointed to ongoing challenges, including the lack of a fully equipped science laboratory and the high cost of science textbooks. They called for increased support from government and private partners to strengthen science education.
The Iganga District LC5 Chairperson, Muhando Shabiru Isabirye, who attended the function, called for the expedited restoration of Busoga University, while commending Ms Namyalo’s empowerment programmes for their impact across communities.
Iganga District Khadhi Sheikh Sinani Muwanika also praised Ms Namyalo for her continued support to Muslim communities, citing Ramadan Iftar programmes and food relief initiatives for vulnerable families.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for increased investment in education infrastructure, particularly science facilities, as stakeholders underscored their importance in driving Uganda’s long-term development.