KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan scholars and diplomats gathered at Kampala University on Thursday to commemorate International Quds Day, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemning Israeli occupation.
The event, organized by the Cultural Consulate of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, brought together high-profile dignitaries, including ambassadors, academics and religious leaders.
Speakers emphasized the importance of supporting the Palestinian cause and rejecting Israeli occupation. They also highlighted the plight of Palestinians and the need for international support.
“We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemn the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime,” said Dr. Waldah M. Rajab Gyagenda, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Kampala University.
Hon. Issah Katungulu Luyimbaazi, African Youth Ambassador, gave an overview of Quds Day, saying it is an annual pro-Palestinian event held on the last Friday of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Prof. Adam Sebyala Al-maliky, academic professor and president of Uganda Shia Ithna Ashari Muslim Community, spoke on the historical context of the Palestinian issue, highlighting the need for unity among Muslims and free thinkers to support the Palestinian cause.
Dr. Hadi Assadi, lecturer at Al-Mustafa Islamic College Kyengera, emphasized the importance of fulfilling both Islamic and social obligations to support the Palestinian people.
Sister Aite shamlah from Al-Mustafa Islamic College called on participants to stop consuming Israeli products to economically isolate the regime.
The Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan recognized the charismatic leadership of Imam Khomeini for declaring International Quds Day and reported that the Republic of Sudan has been supporting the Palestinian people since the 1950s.
Dr. Rouhollah Dehghani, principal of Al-mustafa Islamic College Kyengera, noted that the struggle of Karbala should be the message to drive free thinkers towards spirituality, solidarity and love to the oppressed nations, including Palestine.
Mr. Abdollah Abbasi, Iranian Cultural Counsellor, emphasized that Quds Day is the best time to reflect on the oppressed Palestinian people by the tyrannical western countries who are supporting the child-killing regime of Israel.
Iran’s ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mr. Majid Saffar, called for global support for the Palestinian cause on Friday, emphasizing the need for international solidarity against Israeli occupation.
Saffar urged participants to go one step further in defense of Palestine.
“Today, we must stand together and show our support for the Palestinian people,” Saffar said. “Palestine is not just a Muslim issue, but a humanitarian concern for all servants of God, regardless of background.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nabukeera Madinah Sebyala, Director of Islamic University in Uganda Females campus, recognized the charismatic leadership of Imam Khomeini who declared this important event.
The event featured Quran recitations and speeches, with participants calling for justice and equality for the Palestinian people.
