Mufti Bids Farewell to Students Set for Studies in Russia
His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has seen off thirteen (13) students who applied for scholarships in different disciplines to various Russian Universities. This initiative stemmed from a fruitful courtesy call paid by H.E. Vladlen Semivolos, the Russian Ambassador accredited to Uganda, during his visit to the Mufti’s office a year ago. During their discussions, Mufti Mubaje seized the opportunity to request scholarships from the Russian Embassy, to which the visiting Ambassador positively responded. Subsequently, Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, the UMSC Education Secretary, was tasked with making a follow-up, and out of 40 applicants, 13 met the set requirements for the scholarship offers. In his fatherly remarks, Sheikh Mubaje implored the successful applicants to consciously express gratitude to Almighty God for the divine grace bestowed upon them, out of the many who applied. “We express our profound gratitude to the Ambassador for honoring his pledge and congratulate you upon your lifetime achievement,” Mufti Mubaje said. Additionally, he urged the students to be good representatives of Uganda during their stay in Russia. He further welcomed the selection of beneficiaries, which included non-Muslims, in the spirit of the Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU), emphasizing education as a common good that transcends religious boundaries. In conclusion, he urged the students to return to serve their communities and the country at large upon completion of their studies. Earlier, His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti, imparted inspiring words to the students, reminding them of Russia’s status as a highly developed country with abundant opportunities across various fields of knowledge and skills. He encouraged them to seize these opportunities while retaining their religious and cultural values. He cited two distinguished Ugandans who studied in Russia and upon their return made remarkable contributions to Uganda and the Muslim community: Haj Hussein Male, the retired Principal of Kibuli Teachers College, and Haj Abubakar Kakembo, the former education officer at the Ministry of Education. Additionally, Hon. Hadji Abbas Ssekyanzi Muluubya, the UMSC Secretary General, expressed his delight in the unique disciplines undertaken by the students, emphasizing their role in transformation programs.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu outlined the process and introduced the beneficiaries:
Kyagulanyi Bashir, Kampala: Masters in Plant Bio Systems
Katuramu Usaamah Bagonza, Kabwohe: Masters in Civil Engineering
Nabaggala Janati, Mubende: Information Security
Kahunde Edith, Wakiso: Masters in Business Administration
Murumu Abdul Aziz, Mbale: Masters in Business Administration
Orishabe Cassim, Kanugu: Masters in Applied MTC
Andaku Jordan Lounga, Ssekalema Abdulhasiib, Masaka: Ph.D. in Masaka
Swali Mustafa, Koboko: Masters in Psychology
Wasswa Walugembe Emmanuel Kayiso, Kampala: Ph.D. in Biomedical Science
Misiitwa Martin Chris, Mukono: Masters in Design Engineering
Ssentongo Luqman, Wakiso: Masters in Human Rights and Law
Bukenya Usaamah Shadrach, Wakiso: Masters in Innovatics
In attendance were Haj Muhamood Kateregga Namuguzi, National Executive Member/Chairman of the Educational Committee, along with departmental heads including Sheikh Abdu Karim Katamba, Director of Halal; Hon. Katurerebe Yaziid, Secretary for Administration and Human Resource; Sheikh Ali Juma Shiwuyo, Secretary for Hija & UMRA, Sheikhat Radhiyya Namakula, Secretary for Women & Children Affairs; Hon. Kagiiko Imam Shaffi, Social Service Secretary; and Sheikh Muhammad Murshid Luwemba, Secretary for Dawah.