Prime Minister urges Muslims to Document their History for Future Generations.
Rt Hon. Lukia Nakadama Isanga, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister has called on Muslims to preserve and document their history for the benefit of future generations. She made this plea during her speech as the Chief Guest at an event commemorating 179 years of Islam in Uganda and marking the 51st anniversary of the establishment of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). The event took place at Masjid Noor Shuhada’U Muslim Martyrs Site in Namugongo on June 1st, 2023.
Hon. Nakadama emphasized the importance of knowing one’s origins for the progress of a community, citing the example of the Muslim Martyrs who were the first to be killed in Buganda Kingdom due to their religious beliefs. She expressed concern about the limited information available on the Muslim Martyrs.
“There is scanty information surrounding the Muslim Martyrs and it is the reason why some key Gov’t officials are reluctant to give it a priority as they do to their Christian counterparts simply because they aren’t aware of such history. So, they are quick to respond positively whenever they’re called upon to provide necessary support when it comes to the development of the Christian religious sites, while wrongly reasoning that the Muslim Martyrs could be a myth,” she said.
“It is like a cooked up narrations and I took some times explaining to the protocol office that I was directed by the President to represent him on the Muslim side on 1st June instead of June 3rd when Christians from far and wide gather for pilgrimage on their shrines,” she added.
She urged Muslims to popularize their history, particularly the story of the first Muslim Martyrs, as a means of raising awareness and dispelling misconceptions. Furthermore, Hon. Nakadama revealed that the President is aware of the state of the Muslim site and that the Ministry of Finance has received proposed development plans for a magnificent mosque estimated to cost UGX 13 billion. She pledged to follow up on the progress of this project.
During the event, speeches were delivered on behalf of His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, by His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the 2nd Deputy Mufti. Sheikh Waiswa called upon Muslim researchers and academicians to conduct extensive research on various issues affecting the Muslim community, such as education and culture. He also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the government’s support to UMSC since 1986 and requested further assistance for the redevelopment of Namugongo Muslim Martyrs Site.
Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga, Chairperson of the Shuhada’U Muslim Martyrs Committee, provided a historical account of the Muslim Martyrs in Uganda, highlighting the penetration of Islamic faith in the region and the challenges faced by early Muslims. He outlined the three stages of Islam’s progression in Uganda, from puritanical to a blend with native beliefs and subsequent reforms. Notably, Prof. Kateregga mentioned that the government did not provide funds for the celebration, and the event was made possible through his personal efforts.
Sheikh Eias Kigozi, the Kadhi of Wakiso Muslim District, delivered a sermon after special prayers dedicated to the Muslim Martyrs. He reminded Muslims to exemplify their faith in their daily lives, drawing inspiration from the Martyrs’ commitment. Among the attendees were Hon. Muhammad Ali Aluma, UMSC Secretary General, Mr. Sinan Abdu Nsenye, UMSC Secretary for Finance & Planning, Sheikh Imran Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs, Haj Sulaiman Musana Kawangunzi, Coordinator of Shuhada’U Muslim Martyrs Committee, Wakiso Muslim District Leaders, county Sheikhs, Imams, and local leaders.