On Saturday 21st September, 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni hosted a prayer service in memory of the late Hasmukh Kanji Patel.
Mr. Patel popularly known as Hasu was the chairman of Tororo Cement. He died on August 29, 2024, after a short illness, according to his family and Tororo Cement management.
The prayer service held at State Lodge Nakasero was led by Bishop Joshua Lwere.
During his speech, President Museveni shared his personal reflections on faith, community and the power of actions over labels.
President Museveni emphasised that the teachings of Jesus promote unity among different faiths and expressed discontent over divisions among religions.
He referenced the parable of the Good Samaritan, saying, “Jesus taught that we shall know them by their fruits, not by their labels.”
“This business of Christians versus Muslims versus Hindus should not be such a big issue. Hasu was doing the work of God. You don’t have to be a Christian to be appreciated by God.”
The President noted that many people who identify as Christians or Muslims often retain traditional beliefs.
“98% of those who say they are Christians and Muslims are actually traditional believers. Holiness is in the actions of people.”
He underscored that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) values individuals based on their actions and contributions to society.
Celebrating the accomplishments of the Patel family, President Museveni remarked, “You are hard workers. I don’t buy the idea of people who claim to be Christians but don’t work.”
He praised their successful management of Tororo Cement and their plans to build a factory in Karamoja, projecting an annual income of $900 million.
President Museveni also encouraged Ugandans to emulate Patel family’s disciplined approach to business, saying they are a good example of hard-work constructive spending.
He further expressed gratitude to Maama Janet for recognizing the dedication of Mr. Patel and his family and keeping him informed about their services to the nation.
“I want to thank Maama very much. She noticed these young people and kept informing me. Thank you for noticing their dedication and informing me, otherwise I would never have known them,” he said.
On the other hand, President Museveni invited more Indian businesspeople to consider investing in Uganda.
“I want to thank Hon. Sam Kutesa for accurately identifying this serious group when he was the Minister of State for Investment.”
On her part, Maama Janet expressed deep condolences to the family of the late Chairman and thanked them for their contribution towards the development of Uganda.
“This day is one we had to fulfil to honour a friend’s family who stood with us in life. In death, we must also stand with his family to give our condolences,” she said.
“I first knew him in a letter he was writing to the President saying there was work he wanted to do in Uganda. He asked that this work be identified by the First Lady because he had been watching her speak about God, always moving with the Bible. I wondered how someone I didn’t know could follow my work to that extent.”
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