Faith communities at Soroti University launched the institution’s first interfaith prayer breakfast, an initiative aimed at strengthening unity and spiritual growth among students and staff.
Held under the theme “Unity in spite of diversity,” drawn from Matthew 3:16–17 and Qur’an 5:2, the event brought together leaders and followers from Catholic, Anglican, Muslim, and Pentecostal traditions.Organisers announced that the prayer breakfast will be held annually on the last Thursday of September.
Speaking during the launch, Sheikh Obilan Abubakhar Umar, the University Imam, said the initiative was born out of findings gathered after engaging both staff and students.“We realised that about 99 per cent of staff and students profess a religion and believe in God; however, there were concerns about poor student-lecturer relationships and weak collaboration among some departments,” he said.
He explained that the absence of a common platform for interaction led to the idea of an interfaith prayer breakfast.The initiative has since informed the development of a religious affairs policy currently awaiting council approval.
According to Sheikh Umar, the initiative seeks to build a sense of community through shared meals, enrich spiritual life through shared values, promote harmony, peace, and security, and encourage positive attitudes among students and staff.
Delivering a keynote address on “Religious tolerance, A critical antidote to bigotry in society,” Sheikh Umar urged participants to embrace diversity and avoid imposing beliefs on others.“Tolerance is the ability to accept and respect beliefs that differ from our own.
We can live harmoniously and relate beyond religious differences,” he said.Sheikh Obilan warned against ignorance and prejudice, which he identified as key drivers of religious intolerance, and encouraged open dialogue and mutual learning among faith groups.
Drawing from both Islamic and Christian teachings, he highlighted shared beliefs such as reverence for Jesus and Mary as a basis for unity, stressing that we share a lot in common.
Rev Fr Dr Joreme Agelu, the Catholic chaplain, described the event as a rare and significant gathering that brings all faiths together for prayer and reflection.“We are different in faith, but we are one people; this platform helps us diffuse differences, build unity, and cultivate an open-minded community,” he said.
He urged students and staff not to neglect their spiritual lives amid academic and professional pursuits, warning that modern challenges such as secularism, materialism, and busy schedules often weaken people’s connection with God, as he presented a paper under the theme “Called to establish a profound relationship with God”.“Much as we study and work, we must remember God. We need Him every day,” Fr Joreme said.
Rev Can Dr Samuel Epol, the Anglican chaplain, spoke on the theme “God first in spite of work,” urging participants to prioritise faith in their professional lives.“God is foundational to everything we do. Our careers should not replace our relationship with God but rather reflect His purpose,” he said.
Rev Samuel challenged students to view their professions as assignments from God rather than merely opportunities for financial gain, adding that integrating faith into work can bring purpose and fulfilment. Representing the Vice Chancellor, Academic Registrar Gregory Okello, commended the chaplains for promoting unity and inclusivity within the university.
“When you work together like this, you uphold the university’s policy of accommodating diversity in faith and religion. Faith plays an important role in guiding how we relate and live,” he said.
He confirmed that the university council has approved the interfaith prayer breakfast as an annual event and pledged continued institutional support.
Guild President Wilfred Ocen welcomed the initiative, describing it as a milestone in strengthening moral values and unity among students.
“The high turnout today shows students are willing to cooperate. As a secular university, we support freedom of worship while ensuring academic responsibilities are not compromised,” he said.
He, however, noted concerns from some Christian groups, like the phaneroo, who feel excluded from certain university-supported religious activities.He said discussions are ongoing with the university’s religious council to ensure broader inclusion. URN