The Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has launched a seven-member committee of Muslim scholars and language experts tasked with translating the Holy Quran into Langi, one of the widely spoken indigenous languages in northern Uganda.
The committee comprises Sheikh Sadick Ayo, Imam of Idi Amin Mosque in Lira City; Sheikh Shaban Sadam Nasser, Imam of Taqwa Mosque; Sheikh Hafiz Nurain Maganda, a holder of a Master’s degree in Sharia and Director of Haif Islamic Nursery and Primary School in Lira; Mr Ocom Ismael, a graduate of Harvard University; Mr Ogal Ismael, a consultant and translator of learning materials in Langi with the Ministry of Education and Sports; Sheikh Ali Yakub Okwir, District Kadhi; and Sheikh Abdul-Karim Omar, Deputy Kadhi.
The committee has agreed to undertake what has been described as a historic mission to make the Holy Quran accessible to Langi-speaking Muslims through a translation in their native language. The launch was part of activities organised to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and was financially supported by Haj Masoud Obeid, a prominent Kampala-based businessman and a native of the area. He is also the chairman of the Uganda Forex Bureau and Money Remittance Association.
Mufti Mubaje travelled from Zombo in the West Nile region on Friday afternoon and arrived in Lira City later that night. He was accompanied by senior leaders of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), including His Eminence Dr Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the Second Deputy Mufti; Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration; Sheikh Imran Abdunoor Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs; Sheikh Abdul-Karim Abdallah Katamba, Head of the Halal Department and Ankole-Kigezi Regional Assistant to the Mufti; Ms Afua Mugumya, an accountant; and Prince Habib Musa Mawanda, the Mufti’s Personal Assistant.
Upon arrival, the delegation was received by the hosts and Muslim leaders from the area.
The following day, Saturday, the Mufti and his entourage arrived at the venue of the function, where they were received by Muslim leaders led by Sheikh Musa Khelili, the Northern Regional Assistant to the Mufti, alongside District Kadhis from neighbouring Muslim districts. The celebrations featured performances by three Muslim praise groups—Kampala Mataali Events, West Nile Mataali Group and Lango Mataali Group—which entertained the congregation with songs praising Prophet Muhammad.
Speeches were later delivered by several Muslim leaders and guests, including Hon. Asuma Wasema, Hon. Omar Kanjule and Hon. Hajjat Aisha Abdu, representative of the UMSC General Assembly from Lango and Apac Muslim districts. Sheikh Khelili, through his Regional Secretary, Mr Odongo Edris, presented a four-page report on the state of the Muslim community in Lango. The report covered administrative and leadership matters, as well as the management of Muslim properties in Lango Muslim District.
Meanwhile, Hon. Aluma briefed the congregation on developments at the UMSC headquarters, including preparations for the upcoming National Muslim Youth Convention, which is scheduled for the end of October and is expected to be opened by President Yoweri Museveni. He called upon Muslim youth from northern Uganda to turn up in large numbers for the convention.
Dr Sheikh Bukenya and Haj Masoud Obeid also addressed the gathering before the Mufti delivered the main address.
Speaking in both Swahili and English, Mufti Mubaje reflected on the religious and social conditions that existed before the birth of Prophet Muhammad, describing the period as one of widespread ignorance, idol worship and bloodshed. He said the coming of Prophet Muhammad marked a turning point for humanity, as Allah sent him as a mercy to the worlds.
The Mufti urged Muslims to uphold the Prophet’s teachings on brotherhood, respect and peaceful coexistence, saying these values are essential for success in both this world and the hereafter.
He also said the decision to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad annually in the Muslim world was reached through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), of which Uganda is a member.
Mufti Mubaje thanked Haj Masoud Obeid for organising the celebrations in his home area and encouraged other Muslims to emulate his efforts in supporting activities that strengthen the Muslim community.
On the issues raised in the report on the state of Muslims in Lango, the Mufti said he would return to the region in the near future and spend a full week engaging with the community to find lasting solutions to leadership and property-related concerns.
He, however, cautioned against rushing into leadership changes in the district.
“As for now, there is no hurry for any leadership change in Lango Muslim District,” the Mufti said.
The Mufti later awarded cash prizes and trophies to the three participating Muslim praise groups in the 2026 competition. Kampala Mataali Events emerged the overall winner, followed by Lango Mataali Group, while West Nile Mataali Group finished third.
The celebrations concluded with appreciation from Lango Muslim women, led by their national representative, who thanked the Mufti for his efforts to mobilise support for them, including funds from President Yoweri Museveni. The women also presented various gifts to the Mufti, including chickens, goats, sheep and bunches of green bananas.