Religious and civic leaders have expressed profound gratitude to His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, for his resilience and focus in sustaining the vision he conceived over 40 years ago—establishing Noor Islamic Institute. From a humble beginning, the institution has grown into an excellent and respected centre of learning, the first of its kind in the Eastern region to offer both Islamic theology and secular education.
At the time, the Mufti was a fresh graduate in Sharia Studies from Imam Muhammad Islamic University in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Having observed the wide gaps in Islamic theological knowledge among many Muslims—compounded by the scarcity of well-trained Islamic teachers—he conceived the idea of founding an institute. After sharing this vision with his contemporaries, they agreed to begin the school, which initially operated in mud-brick structures. Over the years, with support from well-wishers within and beyond Uganda, the institute expanded and now sits on its own spacious plot in Buwawula Village, Bungokho Sub-county, on the outskirts of Mbale City.
Today, Noor Islamic Institute has evolved into a complex educational centre comprising a primary school with a nursery section, a secondary school, and an annex block that trains mosque Imams.
The 40-year thanksgiving celebration, presided over by the Mufti, was held at the school compound on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
In attendance were several dignitaries including His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti; Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration; Hon. Abdu-Razaq Arinda, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Development; UMSC Executive Members; Departmental Heads; Members of the General Assembly; Hon. Karim Masaba, Area Legislator; Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wandenga, Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti; Sheikh Isa Ahmad Masaba, Host Kadhi of Bugisu Muslim District; Kadhis from neighbouring Muslim districts; and several politicians, among others.
Before the speeches, learners entertained guests with Qur’an recitations, poems, and songs reflecting the theme of the day.
Key speakers included Dr. Sheikh Badru Matasi, the Headteacher, who gave an update on the current state of the institute; Mr. Hussein Mbaaga, who represented the Parents-Teachers Association; and Mr. Wavamuno Muhammad, journalist and acting chairperson of the Old Students Association, who shared memories from his student days and pledged support toward upcoming activities.
Mr. Mubaje Muhammad Shaban, the elder son of the Mufti, an alumnus and newly appointed Chairperson of the Board of Governors, delivered a three-page maiden speech. He highlighted the institute’s historical journey and urged the community to continue supporting its next 40 years of growth. Sheikh Isa Masaba, the Host Kadhi who represented the historical founders, described the Mufti as a visionary, hardworking, compassionate leader with a strong passion for education. He also shared accounts of the challenging early years, including teaching students from across Uganda and neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Congo.
Hon. Hakim Masaba, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, and Dr. Hajjat Sarah Wasagali Kanabi—both contenders for the Woman MP seat—thanked the Mufti for his transformative role in promoting Muslim education.
Dr. Sheikh Bukenya, who once served as a Qur’an teacher at the institute, praised the Mufti as a caring mentor who offered him the opportunity to teach and later facilitated his scholarship for further studies in Saudi Arabia. Hon. Aluma, speaking on behalf of the management, described the Mufti’s vision of Noor—Arabic for “light”—as one that has manifested over 40 years, with clear fruits in educational development and human resource growth.
The Mufti’s keynote address highlighted the institute’s background and future aspirations. He emphasized the need for revitalization and advancement, particularly in academics, student discipline and welfare, infrastructure, and security. He called upon parents, the community, and old students to support the planned initiatives.
He concluded by urging Ugandans to maintain peace and stability, and to elect leaders who promote inclusive development programs.