The dinner served not only as a gesture of inclusivity and cultural exchange but also as a platform for fostering connections and dialogue among diverse communities in Uganda. The attendees shared in the spirit of Ramadan, breaking bread and exchanging pleasantries.
Addressing the guests, Mr. Hasham Wahaib, the Chief Executive Officer of YUASA, extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude for their presence. Drawing inspiration from the Holy Quran, he emphasized the significance of Ramadan as a time for giving back to the less fortunate.
Mr Wahaib urged everyone to seize the opportunity to bless those in need, highlighting the spiritual rewards that accompany acts of generosity during this sacred month.
“For Iftar, we all know that it’s through giving back to Allah’s people that we boost our iman, therefore we found it crucial as YUASA to tap into the blessings of Ramadan and this clearly explains why we invited you here to share a moment enjoying this dinner,” he said.
Mr. Wahaib also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ugandan populace for their steadfast affection and support since YUASA’s establishment in the Ugandan market. He thanked them for the kindness and support they had received and emphasized the value of a strong sense of community.
He also took a minute to recognize the contribution played by the government in creating an atmosphere that is favourable for companies such as YUASA to thrive. He commended the efforts to foster growth and development and emphasized the cooperative partnership between YUASA and the government to further common objectives and programs.
“My first time to come to Uganda was in the 1990s, and since then I have never regretted being in this country. Ugandans are very supportive people and very loyal, we deeply thank you for being a YUASA family,” he said.
YUASA praised for supporting the economy
Among the dignitaries in attendance was the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, who expressed the government’s appreciation to YUASA for its successful activities in Uganda. Noting the importance of YUASA’s contributions to job prospects for Ugandans, Gen. Wamala praised the company for its involvement in job development.
In addition, he recognized the beneficial benefits of YUASA’s tax payments on the economy and emphasized the life-changing potential of its CSR initiatives, which have improved the quality of life for many people in the neighbourhood.
“First of all I want to thank the CEO of YUASA for inviting us to share a meal, but as we are leaving here, let’s also reach out to someone who hasn’t been here! Let’s reach out to the needy people. Take it upon yourself and make sure that before this month ends you have someone you have fed,” he said.
He added; “ As a minister of Works, I can’t fail to take this chance to thank YUASA for your contribution to the national economy by paying taxes and that’s why some of us have been to be where we are. For if you were not paying taxes we would not be able to run the country. Thank you very much for contributing to the economy. And I would encourage you to encourage others to come and invest in Uganda becuse we have a very conducive investment environment and we are the hub of business in East Africa.”
Meanwhile, Iftar is a beloved custom that Muslims all around the world celebrate throughout the holy month of Ramadan. It signifies the end of the 24-hour fast, which starts at sunrise and ends at dusk.
In addition to its religious importance, Iftar embodies values of generosity and hospitality, as hosts open their homes and hearts to guests, irrespective of their backgrounds or beliefs. Thus, the YUASA Iftar Dinner at the Sheraton Hotel not only celebrated this sacred tradition but also exemplified the spirit of unity and inclusivity that lies at the heart of Ramadan observance.
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