Hajati Sauda Mugerwa

Hajati Sauda Mugerwa is the Woman Member of Parliament for Masaka district. She spoke to Rehema Aanyu about Ramadhan

How is Ramadhan so far?
I am enjoying it. It is a good experience because it gives me the opportunity to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam. I feel lucky because there are many people who have been unable to do so like the sick, those in war and facing natural calamities like the people in Pakistan. I am grateful to Allah for giving me this opportunity.

Has it affected your work?
It has, but in a good way. I have more courage to work. I have longer hours of work. I have had to reduce on my sleeping hours and increase on my working hours, especially at night when I read the holy Qu`ran.

How do you break your fast?
I eat whatever is available. Ramadhan is not a time to whine about missing this and that. There are people who cannot afford to buy food. I may drink water or eat sugarcane. I appreciate everything that is available.

Has Ramadhan made you better?
I have been able to donate food and other things to the poor so that they can break their fast. I break my fast with colleagues. I even invite some to my home. It is a special time to connect to people around me.

What would you like people to know about Ramadhan?
In as much as it is the month where one has to be his or her best, let us continue with the good behaviour after Ramadhan. Continue being nice and feeding the poor. Continue being guided by the holy Qu`ran.

What tips do you have for people who are fasting?
I encourage them to fulfill the five pillars of Islam and to read the Qu`ran. Let it be a guide to godly life. Women should stop gossiping and mistreating people in their care. Good behaviour is rewarded by Allah and bad deeds are punished.