Iranian President visits UMSC Headquarters.
His Excellency Ebrahim Raisolsadat, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, paid a courtesy visit to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Headquarters on Wednesday night. During his visit, he met with His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, accompanied by other prominent religious leaders including the Most Rev. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and the current Chairperson of the Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU).
President Raisi arrived at the UMSC headquarters with his entourage at around 10 pm amidst tight security. He was promptly ushered into the Mufti’s Office, where he held a closed meeting with government officials including Hon. Hajjat Lukia Nakadama Isanga, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister; Hon. Hajjat Oleru Huda, State Minister of Defense in charge of Veteran Affairs; Hon. Muluri Mukasa, Minister of Public Service and Members of Parliament. Also present were Dr. Kazimba Mugalu, the CoU Archbishop; Sheikh Abdallah Ibrahim Ssemambo Tamusuza, the Deputy Mufti; Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the 2nd Deputy Mufti; and Hon. Muhammad Ali Aluma, the UMSC Secretary General.
After the meeting, President Raisi joined the Muslim congregation for Isha prayers led by Mufti Mubaje. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu delivered a speech on behalf of the Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU). He highlighted the background and achievements of the IRCU since its establishment in 2001, and called for closer cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Mufti Mubaje expressed appreciation to the Iranian government for its recent reconciliation efforts with the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also expressed prayers for peace to other Muslim countries still affected by armed conflicts, such as Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan.
President Raisi delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing his delight in meeting religious leaders from different denominations who are cooperating harmoniously under one forum. He also expressed his joy in meeting the enthusiastic youth who had gathered in large numbers to welcome him. “Meeting you in a mosque is a manifestation of being of God fearing and of high spirituality,” he said.
Adding that “apart from holding congregational prayers, Mosques could also be used as avenues where faithful could converge to address other societal Problems such as poverty, illiteracy, diseases, unemployment. President Raisi cautioned his listeners against cultural invasion by western powers, especially targeting the youth.
He criticized them for being oppressors and plunderers of resources, as well as for promoting immorality such as homosexuality, which he deemed contrary to nature and divine laws (referring to European imperialists). President Raisi concluded his remarks by highlighting the common ground between Muslims and Christians, both being Abrahamic religions that promote family values. He also mentioned the Agreement of Cooperation signed between his government and the host government led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The event was attended by several dignitaries from various sectors in the country.