The Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has launched a mushroom farming project aimed at empowering elderly citizens in Mubende Town Council and improving their livelihoods during retirement.
The project, initiated through an association of elderly residents, was launched at the home of Hajjat Hawa Ssemakula, widow of the late Haj Badru Ssemakula, in Nkanaga Cell, Mubende Town Council, on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
The launch followed memorial prayers (Duwah) organised by the Ssemakula family in remembrance of Haj Badru Ssemakula, who passed away two years ago.
Mufti Encourages Income-Generating Activities for the Elderly
Mufti Mubaje commended Hajjat Hawa for initiating the mushroom farming project, saying income-generating activities can help elderly people remain productive and improve their wellbeing during retirement.
He encouraged Ugandans to make use of government development programmes designed to improve household incomes and reduce poverty in their communities.
“The developmental projects intended to help the elderly, especially at their retirement age, will keep them in good health and protect their wellbeing from stress and depression,” Sheikh Mubaje said.
The Mufti also urged mosque leaders to register for Imam SACCOs as part of efforts to strengthen their financial wellbeing.
Mufti Pays Tribute to Late Haj Badru Ssemakula
Sheikh Mubaje described the late Haj Badru Ssemakula as a devout Muslim, unifier, humble person and loyal supporter of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
The Mufti recalled that he had known Haj Ssemakula and his family before becoming Mufti and encouraged the family to maintain the close relationship their late father had with the Muslim leadership and UMSC.
The Mufti also used the memorial gathering to remind Muslims about the temporary nature of earthly life, quoting Qur’anic teachings urging believers to remain conscious of Allah and prepare for death.
He reminded the gathering that every human soul will ultimately taste death and return to its Creator.
Mufti Condemns Claims Linking Susan Magara Murder to Islam
Sheikh Mubaje also condemned video clips circulating on social media in which convicted murderers Hajara Nakandi and Abbas Musa Buwembo reportedly claimed that the kidnapping and subsequent killing of businesswoman Susan Magara was carried out as an Islamic religious obligation.
The Mufti dismissed the claims as false and contrary to Islamic teachings, stressing that Islam does not permit kidnapping people for ransom or unlawfully killing them.
“The claims that the victim was kidnapped for ransom and later killed as an Islamic religious obligation are false, criminal and heretical.”
Sheikh Mubaje questioned why the woman featured in the video failed to cite any Qur’anic verse to support the alleged religious justification.
He said individuals responsible for such crimes should face the full force of the law and criticised the circulation of the videos.
The Mufti also questioned the circumstances surrounding the appearance of the convicts in what he described as clean, new Islamic attire in the recordings, saying the presentation and subsequent circulation of the videos was provocative to Muslims.
He urged Muslims to remain law-abiding citizens and maintain peaceful relations with people of other religious denominations.
UMSC Leaders and Government Officials Attend the Launch
The event was attended by UMSC leaders, government officials, local leaders and Muslim clerics.
Among those present were Hon. Sulaiman Kyebakoze Maddada, a member of the UMSC Executive Committee; Hon. Isah Ssemwogerere, UMSC General Assembly representative for Mubende; Sheikh Imran Abdunoor Ssali, UMSC Secretary for Religious Affairs; Sheikh Juma Mawejje Kabanda, West Buganda Regional Assistant to the Mufti; Beatrice Katsigazi, Mubende Resident District Commissioner; Princess Pauline Nassolo, Senior Presidential Advisor on Elderly Affairs; and Kadhis from neighbouring Muslim districts.
Leaders Praise Ssemakula Family’s Contribution
Hon. Maddada, a former minister responsible for elderly affairs, spoke about the transformation of UMSC under the leadership of Mufti Mubaje.
Mubende Resident District Commissioner Beatrice Katsigazi and Senior Presidential Advisor on Elderly Affairs Princess Pauline Nassolo praised the late Haj Ssemakula and his family for their contribution to community development and for prioritising the education of their children.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Maj. Badru Luyima Ssemakula thanked Mufti Mubaje for attending the memorial prayers and launching the mushroom farming project.
He described his late father as a caring parent who worked hard to raise and educate his children, several of whom now serve in senior positions in government institutions, including State House, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service.
Mushroom Farming Project to Support Elderly Livelihoods
The mushroom farming initiative represents an effort to provide elderly residents with a practical income-generating activity that can contribute to household welfare and financial independence.
The initiative also reflects broader efforts to encourage productive community-based projects that can improve livelihoods while promoting dignity and wellbeing among elderly citizens.
