The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Uganda H.E.Mr. Majid Saffar has described the late Imam Khomeini as a great statesman who was a voice of the oppressed and defender of the world peace.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 36th death anniversary of Imam Khomeini at Makerere University Business School today, Mr Safar said that Imam Khomeini was not the only founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran but also an architect of the policies derived from the Holy Quran that do not seek to dominate others but work with others in the best way.
He added that Imam Khomeini rejected foreign invasion and aggression to protect the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The highly attended function was moderated by Hon. Issah Katungulu Luyimbaazi, the African Youth Ambassador and graced by H.E. Deputy High Commissioner, Kenya High Commission, Mr. Namuguzi,UNICEF-NPC, and his delegates, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, the leader of parliamentary Muslim caucus in the Parliament of Uganda, Dr. Rouhollah Dehghani the principal of Al-mustafa Islamic College, among others.
Mr. Abdollah Abbasi the Iranian Cultural Counsellor noted that today marks the death of Imam Khomeini who still remain in the hearts of believers and free thinkers who believes in his contributions to the world beyond Iran.
“In terms of rationality, Imam Khomeini was good at planning and managing society through drafting the constitution with Iranian people to live peacefully,” he said
Adding, “On the Palestinian cause, it’s Imam Khomeini who declared the international Quds Day during the holy month of Ramadan to show solidarity and love to the oppressed nations including Palestine,”
Mr Asuman Basalirwa, the leader of the Parliamentary Muslim caucus in the Parliament of Uganda recognised the invited guests and shared his personal experience and lessons which included successfully being a religious and political leader through community mobilization and transformation using Islamic wisdom.
He noted that Iran has managed to develop infrastructures amidst economic sanctions and called upon free thinkers to shun propaganda.
He noted that Imam Khomeini taught the world that you can be a religious and political leader to offer exemplary servant leadership with simple lifestyle.
Imam Khomeini taught us that living a simple life doesn’t make one ineffective whatsoever but most leaders always want to live extravagant to make a statement that they exist at the expense of inconveniencing the people they lead.
Imam Khomeini became a thorn in the flesh of the west by setting a foundation on how to relate with other foreign countries.
Imam Khomeini set a foundation for education scholarships to build human resources in different sectors and knowledge in science and Technology
Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti of Uganda said that during such commemoration, we gather to learn the cause of their faith and nations to see that the entire humanity is rescued from exploitation and injustices.
He noted that Iran is one of the most great empires the world witnessed through western countries have then lowered it through propaganda machinery but no one can underrate it as it is a superpower nation with all developments in science and Technology, self sustainability, production, specialised Universities, among others as a result of struggle led by Imam Khomeini.
He rallied participants to always emulate such personalities by engaging in productivity and creating new knowledge to benefit others across boarders.
He noted that people have to be committed to build bridges and break the chains that delay acquisition of knowledge, skills and development.
He informed participants that it’s only the Islamic Republic of Iran that is strongly supporting the Palestinian people amidst all aggression from the US backed Zionist regime of Israel.
Dr. Celestine Katongole, the head of the tourism department at Makerere University Business school, shared his experience about Iran as he travelled with a team of academicians from Uganda.
He noted that most people, especially in African countries, rely on Western media, but we saw the beautiful picture of organisation, culture, advancement, and social discipline. He mentioned the quality of products and services at relatively cheaper prices, and he wondered why Ugandan traders don’t go to Iran for trade relations.
Dr. Owen Kembabazi, lecturer at Makerere University Business school who attended the International Women Congress at Al Zahra University in Iran, who represented Uganda and Africa to discuss issues pertaining to women affairs and society.
She rallied Ugandans to always seek information about Iran. She requested more cultural and academic exchange programs for different groups of people.
Dr. Assadi, lecturer at Al-Mustafa Islamic College Kyengera spoke about the contributions of Imam Khomeini and quoted the Quranic verses, where Almighty Allah summarise the life of human beings including prophets.
He noted that it’s the duty of scholars to continue pursuing the course and mission of prophets about tyranny and oppression.
He noted that Imam Khomeini had enormous knowledge in different sectors, and that’s why he succeeded in the Cultural Revolution in Iran.
He analyzed Imam Khomeini’s strategy of Islamic unity, awakening struggles, and introducing Islamic democracy.
