A Night of Gratitude: Reflecting on Our Iftar Fundraiser Dinner

How one evening of connection, wisdom, and generosity will bring Eid joy to Bukamba.

SSENGENDO HASSAN

3/15/20264 min read

On 13th / 03 - 2026, PurpleMinds Foundation hosted an Iftar Fundraiser Dinner at Silver Spoon Restaurant in Kampala. It was an evening we will not soon forget—not just because of the delicious meal or the beautiful venue, but because of the hearts that gathered, the wisdom that was shared, and the generosity that flowed as freely as the dates we broke bread with.

The purpose was clear: to raise funds for Eid celebrations for the Muslim community in Bukamba, Kayunga. But what unfolded was so much more—a night of connection, learning, and shared hope.

Setting the Tone: Hassan Ssengendo (Dexta) Opens the Evening

The evening began with a warm welcome from Hassan Ssengendo (Dexta) , Founder and Executive Director of PurpleMinds Foundation. Standing before a room filled with supporters, partners, and friends, Hassan introduced the theme of the night: "Sharing Joy, Spreading Hope."

He shared the vision behind PurpleMinds—the "Climate-Mind Nexus" that connects mental health, environmental action, and community resilience. He spoke about Bukamba, the community they are working to support, and the simple yet profound goal of ensuring that families there can celebrate Eid with dignity and joy.

Hassan then took a moment to introduce the PurpleMinds Foundation team—the dedicated individuals working behind the scenes to make events like this possible and to carry out the foundation's work on the ground. Their presence was a reminder that PurpleMinds is not just one person, but a growing family of changemakers committed to nurturing souls.

With humility and gratitude, Hassan invited the evening's guest speakers to the podium, setting the stage for the wisdom that would follow.

The Wisdom Shared

We were honored to have three remarkable speakers who enriched our evening with their insights.

Sheikh Huziafah on Islamic Giving
Sheikh reminded us of the profound blessings of giving in the last ten days of Ramadan. He spoke of Zakat al-Fitr and the duty we have to ensure that everyone—regardless of their circumstances—can celebrate Eid with dignity. His words moved many in the room to give more generously than they had planned.

Madam Nabatanzi Jamila Jamal on Mental Health in Urban Life
Madam Jamal addressed a topic that resonated deeply with everyone present: the mental health challenges of urban living. She spoke about:

  • The stress of modern relationships and family pressures

  • The importance of self-care as a foundation for well-being

  • Practical ways to cope with anxiety and overwhelm

Her message was simple but powerful: "You cannot pour from an empty cup. To care for others, you must first care for yourself." It was a reminder that mental health is not a luxury—it is a necessity.

Mr. Nsubuga Kigongo Sharif the Founder of Assorted Trends Africa talked on Community and Commitment
Mr. Nsubuga, an NGO advocate from Kayunga, expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who attended. He spoke of the critical need for mental health support in rural communities and commended Hassan for his dedication to this cause.

In a moment that touched everyone, Mr. Nsubuga offered his personal commitment to help Hassan and PurpleMinds grow stronger—offering guidance, connections, and wisdom from his years of experience in community development. It was a beautiful example of experienced leaders investing in the next generation.

Gratitude Without Borders

A special moment came when we recognized Madam Sofia from Juba, South Sudan, who sponsored a guest to attend the dinner. Though she could not be with us in person, her generosity crossed borders to touch lives in Uganda. Her support is a beautiful reminder that caring for community knows no boundaries.

The Impact of Your Generosity

Together, with your support, we raised some funds and a few pledges . These funds will directly provide:

Item Impact Eid Food Packages for families Community Eid Prayer Support Enabling the local mosque's Eid gathering

After or Before Eid, our team will travel to Bukamba to deliver these packages and gifts personally. We will capture the smiles, the joy, and the gratitude—and share them with you, our extended family of supporters.

Thank You to Our Partners

We extend our deepest gratitude to:

  • Silver Spoon Restaurant – For the beautiful venue, delicious meal, and warm hospitality

  • Our Speakers – Sheikh Huzaifah, Madam Jamal, and Mr. Nsubuga, for sharing your time and wisdom

  • Every single attendee – For your presence, your generosity, and your belief in our mission

  • Madam Sofia – For your border generosity

  • Our incredible PurpleMinds team – For working tirelessly to make this evening a success

Looking Ahead

This Iftar dinner was one step in a much longer journey. The families of Bukamba need ongoing support—for clean water, for education, for mental health circles, for green skills training. We invite you to stay connected with us as we continue this work.

Follow us on social media for updates from the Bukamba distribution.
Visit our website to learn how you can partner with us beyond Eid.

Closing Prayer

May Allah accept all our efforts, bless the givers and the receivers, and bring us all closer to Him. May the families of Bukamba feel the love and generosity of this community on Eid day and always.

Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones. 🌙✨