Egypt Resumes Al-Azhar Scholarships for Ugandan Students
His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, on Wednesday hosted H.E. Monzer Selim, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Uganda, at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Headquarters in Kampala.
Ambassador Selim, who was accompanied by officials from the Egyptian Embassy, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the longstanding cooperation between Egypt and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.
The Ambassador informed the Mufti that the Egyptian Government had resumed offering scholarships to Ugandan students after a temporary suspension that lasted several years. He revealed that 23 Ugandan students had already been selected to benefit from the programme.
According to the Ambassador, the first group of beneficiaries will depart for studies at the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo on July 26, 2026, while the second group is expected to travel in September.
He further requested the Mufti to nominate five Imams from major mosques across Uganda to attend a refresher training programme at Al-Azhar University aimed at strengthening their religious knowledge and leadership skills.
Ambassador Selim also presented an invitation to the Mufti to attend an international Islamic conference scheduled to take place in Egypt in the coming weeks.
The Ambassador further briefed the Mufti on challenges facing an Egyptian-established Islamic learning centre, Kimanya Noor in Masaka District founded in 1998 on land donated by a Ugandan Muslim cleric. The institution, affiliated with Al-Azhar University, has over the years produced graduates who later secured scholarships for further studies in Egypt.
He explained that following the death of the original land donor, some family members had laid claim to the property, leading to a dispute that has disrupted the school’s operations and prevented Egyptian teachers from conducting lessons. Therefore, sought for the Mufti’s intervention.
In his remarks, the Mufti welcomed the Ambassador and thanked him for the courtesy visit, describing the relationship between UMSC and Egyptian institutions, particularly Al-Azhar University, as longstanding and mutually beneficial.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of Egypt for resuming scholarship opportunities for Ugandan students and welcomed the invitation to the upcoming international Islamic conference.
Regarding the land dispute affecting the learning centre, the Mufti directed the UMSC Education Secretary to convene a stakeholders’ meeting within two weeks to seek an amicable and lasting solution to the ownership dispute and ensure the institution resumes normal operations.
Before the Ambassador’s departure, the Mufti presented him with a package of gifts as a symbol of the strong friendship and cooperation between UMSC and the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The meeting was also attended by His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti, the UMSC Secretary General, Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Education Secretary, Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, and other senior UMSC officials.