Mufti Asks Govt To Prioritise Funding Embassies, Diplomatic Missions.
His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has urged the government to prioritize funding for Ugandan Embassies and Diplomatic Missions. According to the Mufti, many of them currently lack the necessary funds to provide vital support to Ugandan citizens seeking assistance. Mufti Mubaje expressed these concerns in his speech at the burial of Sheikh Ahmad Mukasa Nsanja, who died in custody in Cairo, Egypt following his arrest operations by Egyptian security targeting foreigners without proper identification.
The deceased, a former student at Azhar University, has left his documents at home when he was apprehended. He was to face charges of illegal stay in Egypt. Sheikh Mukasa was the biological brother of Sheikh Ramadhan Twaha Mulindwa, the Kadhi of Luwero Muslim District.
Addressing the issue, Mufti Mubaje highlighted the challenges faced by Ugandan citizens abroad, such as financial constraints, illness, imprisonment, and obstacles in continuing studies. He emphasized the difficulty for Ugandan Embassies to offer vital help in such situations due to insufficient funds. Mubaje directed attention to Hon. Sekabira Denis, the area Member of Parliament, urging legislative action on the matter. Additionally, Sheikh Mubaje touched on the importance of discipline among Muslim clerics, echoing concerns raised by Sheikh Mustafa Khamis Lule, his Regional Assistant for East Buganda. He called for exemplary behavior in both words and deeds as Muslim clerics carry out their roles in communities. In conclusion, Mufti Mubaje reassured mourners that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) remains on the right track despite challenges posed by a few misguided individuals.
During the event, Hon. Hadji Abbas Ssekyanzi Muluubya discussed the current state of affairs within UMSC, while Hon. Ssekabira Denis urged the government to expedite economic interventions enabling Ugandans to exploit opportunities domestically instead of seeking relocation. Mr. Yasin Iga, a staff member from the Ugandan Embassy in Cairo, shared the steps taken after Sheikh Mukasa’s death, including a post-mortem indicating natural causes.
The gathering included UMSC General Assembly members, National Management, Dr. Haj Edris Sserugo Kasenene (former Secretary-General), Sheikh Anas Ssesimba (Shura Committee member), District Kadhis, and leaders from Wakiso, Kayunga, Nakasongola, Rukungiri, and Luwero Muslim District, along with prominent local leaders, among others.