While giving the overview of the event, Mr. Luyimbaazi Issah Katungulu hinted that the rivalry between Iran and other western powers is not derived from nuclear energy rather envy from successful achievements and development of other countries which are not in their control for example Uganda has been an ally of U.S but on discovering the oil program they have become a barrier to the East African crude oil pipeline.

Furthermore, he also cited that the nuclear energy in Iran is used for domestic purposes in the areas of medicine, agriculture, Electricity among others.

He rallied participants to always take the lessons from the grand leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran who lived exemplary while serving the interests of his people.

Prof. Vicent Kakembo, the Vice Chancellor of Muteesa I Royal University welcomed invited guests and scholars to the 33^rd Demise Anniversary of Imam Khomeini, the grand leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

He expressed thanks to the Cultural Consulate of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran for organizing the wonderful lecture about the great personality of the lifetime that brought fundamental change in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Prof. Kakembo informed guests that their University is privately owned by Buganda Kingdom with 3,000 students’ enrollment and has two campuses in Kakeeka and Masaka. He said that the University was accredited by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education in 2007.

This university has the Faculty of Social, Culture & Development Studies, Faculty of Business Management & Administration, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Science and Technology, among others.

He hoped for more cooperation in the areas of education and Research, Education exchange programs for students and lecturers among other scientific and academic cooperations.

He rallied students and scholars to learn from Imam Khomeini’s life and legacies when they are planning for their lives, communities and nation.

A presentation by Mrs Katongole Hadijjah, lecturer from Islamic University in Uganda

We are gathered here to join the rest of the world and the Islamic Republic of Iran in particular to commemorate The 33^rd demise Anniversary of Imam Khomeini, Leader of the Islamic revolution.

The purpose of her presentation was to Expand the Knowledge, Awareness, Courage and to learn more the piety of the oppressed and humility of the founder of the Islamic revolution on the theme: Understanding the thoughts and ideas of Imam Khomeini

Born September 24,1902 Imam Khomeini became the Iranian cleric who led the revolution that overthrew Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1979. Imam Khomeini background and an early education on religious affairs made him become a prominent scholar around the 1930s and became known by the name of his hometown, Khomayn. As a Shiʿa scholar and teacher, Khomeini produced numerous writings on Islamic philosophy, law, and ethics, but it was his outspoken opposition to Iran’s ruler, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, his denunciations of Western influences, and his uncompromising advocacy of Islamic purity that won him his initial following in Iran and the rest of the world up to today.

Imam Khomeini was the first religious leader to openly condemn the shah’s program of westernization. This was a portrayal of courage and fearlessness a virtual that is necessary for fundamental revolutionalists. In fiery dispatches from his Faziye Seminary in Qom, Khomeini called for the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of an Islamic state. In 1941 during the 2^nd World War Imam Khomeini insisted that the orders of the dictatorial Reza Shah were valueless and all the laws approved by parliament must be burned. He stood steadfast in his conviction even at the risk of death.

Imam Khomeini believed in the virtue of peace and strongly recommended that masses could achieve victory without resorting to armed violence and all his followers did was to demonstrate on the streets matching in organized rows. Even when police opened gunfire to break the procession the survivors matched again after 40 days to commemorate the death of those killed and the cycle continues till the Shah fled. This illustrated how he was an advocate of peace.  

Imam Khomeini further advocated for community engagement by Muslim clerics. He demonstrated that the role of Shariah scholars was not only in the explanation of shariah laws but also its implementation. He called upon these clerics to go out and to the community and engage in religious events, judicial affairs, education among other things. This was done to bridge the gap between the leaders and their people which is an attribute of good leadership.

When Imam Khomeini took over leadership he tried so much to revive Islam and the observation of Islamic principles that had been eroded by the Shah regime and westernization. The new leadership required women to wear a veil, western music and alcohol were banned and many other changes. This would put a check on today’s social problems that have impacted on the lives of Muslims world over. 

Imam Khomeini led a frugal and humble lifestyle, being deeply interested in religious matters, and was against the accumulation of land and wealth by the clergy. This is an Islamic virtue that if we as Muslims could emulate we would escape temptations of greed, theft, corruption and power struggle.

Many of Imam Khomeini's political and religious ideas were considered to be progressive and reformist by leftist intellectuals and activists prior to the Revolution and his definition of democracy existed within an Islamic framework. His last will and testament largely focuses on this line of thought, encouraging both the general Iranian populace, the lower economic classes in particular, and the clergy to maintain their commitment to fulfilling Islamic revolutionary ideals.

Mr. Hamza Kyeyune, the media personality spoke about the formation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and cited other political systems.

He said that Iran's access to nuclear technology has never been implemented against any other country.

Since 1979 revolution, the US has imposed sanctions on Iran under various legal authorities. Iran launched its first 5-Megawatt nuclear reactor at Tehran University in 1967 with the help of USA.

 

The US secretly provided Iran 26.2 kgs of highly-enriched uranium, well knowing that Tehran then, was not a signatory to Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

He asked the audience three questions:

Why does Iran insist on accessing nuclear technology despite pressure from the west?

Despite declaring neutrality in both wars, Iran was occupied by foreign forces.

During the 20th century, the imperialists’ competition over the world domination ended up in two world wars.

The US-Soviet conflicts over Iran resulted in favor of US protection against Communism.

While Iran was under the West's arms sanctions, Iraq enjoyed generous weaponry and financial support by Western and Arab countries.

Iran was not solely fighting Iraq but an all-out coalition of 18 countries hiding behind Sadam Hussein.

Iran is endeavoring to reach its maximum scientific & technological capacity, to defend & to guarantee its own survival.

Technological, military, scientific & economic sanctions against Iran have resulted in the country’s efforts to preserve its self-sufficiency in military & technological independence

Why does the West concentrate on Iran?

Iran is the leading country that doesn't recognize the imbalance of the existing powers in the region.

During its 74 years of presence in the region, Israel has defined all the countries in the middle east as enemies and confronts any effort that may take place to undermine its sovereignty.

Although some Arab states have transactional normalization relations with Israel, the public opinion in the region does not necessarily recognize Israel.

 

 This is why Israel is opposed to Iran’s access to nuclear technology, even at the threshold level, although there is no legal hindrance in the NPT in this regard

Questions:

Difference between Islamic Republic and Islamic state?

How has Iran survived economic sanctions amidst pressure?

The benefits of the Imam Khomeini commemoration to Uganda

Difference between nuclear technology and nuclear energy?

Prof. Adam Ssebyala, the leader of the Uganda Shia Ithna Ashari Muslim Community on the legacy of the Imam Khomeini:

Prof. Adam Sebyala on making a leader; he said that the personality of the Leader is built by the knowledge, sincerity, truthfulness, and exemplary characters.

It's very dangerous for the Leader to be known by his greatness by others before his community and people.

Speaking about the influence of Imam Khomeini, he said that once he landed a journalist asked for how he felt and replied that he felt nothing. He said that Imam Khomeini was not only the leader of the Islamic Revolution but also an icon that opened a new chapter in leadership as he declared his assets and liabilities, a concept which was copied by even western countries including Uganda as we have a leadership code of conduct in our constitution derived from Imam Khomeini’s innovation.

Journalists reported that they had seen a simple man seated on the mat but when he coughs, the whole world sneezes.

The youths always responded to his call to defend their country laying down for martyrdom of their great nation under the charismatic leadership of Imam Khomeini.

Speaking about his last will or testament, he said that he bid farewell with the heart that is contented which made him one of the best leaders of the century.

He said that Imam Khomeini brought about patriotism and self-sufficiency among the people and believed in uplifting the welfare of the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran as a strategy of being a great leader, according to him, ‘’What it takes to be a great leader is ensuring greatness of the citizens through uplifting their welfare’’.

Dr. Rouhollah Dehghani, the Principle of Al-Mustafa Islamic College

He thanked the organizers and the management of the university for hosting the 33^rd demise anniversary of the great leader.

He quoted imam Khomeini’s best teachings and letters he shared with different leaders including the former President of Zimbabwe.

Speaking about the Jews who believe in Zionism aren’t a threat to Palestinians but to humanity. The has to get rid of this cancerous gland from human society.

A person or group of people that think of supremacy must be totally isolated and everybody get rid of such social viruses.

H.E. Salehi Mehdi, the Iranian Ambassador to Uganda:

He was glad to be part of this year’s commemoration at Muteesa I Royal University in Kakeeka, MENGO.

When he listened to previous speakers talking about Imam Khomeini’s thoughts and ideas he got so overwhelmed that Ugandans know Imam Khomeini through their presentations that inspired him.

U.S. is not the only enemy of Iran but development that is why it’s trying to halt the exploitation of oil in Uganda because they are envious seeing other countries grow.

According to Islam, we say no to racism but U.S. and its allies have supported apartheid regime of Israel continuously despite international condemnation.

He thanked guests and scholars for attending this year’s commemoration.

While answering questions from the audience, Mr. Khorrami, the Economic attaché from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran said that they decided to build their own capacities rather than looking for aid as other nations do. They said NO to that and concentrated on home production for self-reliance. 

While responding to the Questions, Mr. Kalema Mohammad AbdulMalik said that the story of Imam Khomeini and the Islamic Republic of Iran is a great example to the country like Uganda as we learn concepts of self-sustenance and perseverance so as to be able to get to the international dominancy.

On speaking, Alhaj Aziiz Sennogga Tamuzade from Ubuntu Nation Pan-African Initiative appreciated the Cultural Consulate of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran for choosing Muteesa I Royal University.

He said that Imam Khomeini was a great personality that anyone would wish to be his neighbour because of his exemplary characters and understanding.

Speaking about Buganda Kingdom values, he said that remembering such personalities is a common practice to many cultures in Uganda and learning his aspirations and inspirations would ensure a bright future among the young generation.

Speaking about the importance of commemorating the demise anniversary of Imam Khomeini is to bring the society back to life and explore awareness.

The Cultural Consular, Mr. Abdollah Abbasi

He thanked the administration for hosting this important event at the University which is commemorated allover the world not only in Iran. He said that he will continue to work with the university on arrange of academic discussions and programs for further cooperation.

He said that talking about the late Imam is our need today and tomorrow. Many years have passed since the apparent death of Imam Khomeini, but his memory is always alive among us and must remain alive, and we must use his legacy, his spirituality, his thought and his ideas.

He noted that the main dimensions of Imam Khomeini's thoughts are: the dimension of spirituality, the dimension of rationality and the dimension of justice.

‘’In the dimension of rationality, Imam Khomeini uses wisdom, tact, thinking and calculating things. The same goes for justice. Imam Khomeini always moved on the path of justice. These dimensions must be seen together. Relying on one of these dimensions, regardless of the other dimensions, leads society astray and deviates. This collection is a complete package of Imam's intellectual and spiritual heritage. The Imam himself, in his behavior, was both a guardian of rationality, a guardian of spirituality, and a guardian of justice’’, he explained.

He said that Manifestations of Imam Khomeini's rationality include: choosing democracy for the country's political system derived from his inflexibility in the face of the enemy and distrust of the enemy by injecting the spirit of self-confidence and self-reliance in the nation with the slogan "we can" through drafting a constitution and understanding the people He pointed out that they are the owners of the country.

The function was covered by different media houses including UBC TV, BBS TV, CBS Radio, Ugabuzz News, Da parrot News, New Vision paper among others.

 

                       Sister Nalwanga Shamim, the Vice Guild President of Muteesa I Royal University in Kampala leading the opening prayer                           

Hon. Luyimbaazi Issah Katungulu, the African Youth Ambassador giving the overview of Imam Khomeini

 

Prof. Vicent Kakembo, the Vice Chancellor of Muteesa I Royal University welcoming invited guests and scholars to the 33^rd Demise Anniversary of Imam Khomeini

Prof. Adam Ssebyala, a university professor and author on the legacies of the Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran at Muteesa I Royal University

Mr. Hamza Kyeyune, the media personality speaking about the formation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and cited other political systems during the 33rd death anniversary of Imam Khomeini

Alhaj Aziiz Sennogga Tamuzade from Ubuntu Nation Pan-African Initiative

Dr. Rouhollah Dehghani, the Principle of Al-Mustafa Islamic College

Mr. Abdollah Abbasi, the Cultural Consular of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran

 

H.E. Salehi Mehdi, the Iranian Ambassador to Uganda