President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Muslim leaders to rally their followers to embrace government development programmes aimed at fighting poverty and promoting community transformation.
The message, delivered on his behalf by Deputy Press Secretary and Head of Mobilisation Mr. Faruk Kirunda, formed the highlight of the Peace Prayers organised by the Busoga Muslim leadership under Sheikh Muhammad Bbowa, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti.
The colourful and well-attended function also marked the official inauguration of two newly appointed Kadhis — Sheikh Feisal Kakaire Walya for Bugweri Muslim District and Sheikh Zaid Ramadhan Wakibi for Namutumba Muslim District. It took place shortly after Friday Juma prayers at Naigombwa Seed Secondary School in Bugweri District along the Tirinyi–Mbale Highway on November 7, 2025.
The ceremony began with interdenominational prayers led by Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Bbowa, joined by religious leaders from various faiths across Busoga. The prayers were dedicated to Uganda’s peace, unity, and mutual understanding ahead of the 2026 general elections, calling upon Allah for divine protection and free and fair polls.
The function proceeded with the unveiling of the two new Kadhis by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the Second Deputy Mufti. He was accompanied by Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi , the UMSC Secretary General, Sheikh Imran Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs, and Hon. Were Abubaker Wandangho, Chairperson of the UMSC Independent Electoral Commission. The crowd cheered enthusiastically, chanting “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
Several high-profile leaders delivered remarks. His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti and a son of the area, reminded Muslims to contribute towards Islamic activities regardless of the amount, discouraging reliance on external assistance.
On his part, Hadji Muluubya briefed the gathering on the current state of affairs within the UMSC, highlighting the new dispensation ushered in by the amended UMSC Constitution. He cited key reforms such as the establishment of the Muslim Arbitration and Reconciliation Council (MAC), and the inclusion of women and youth structures.
He urged the new leaders to intensify the propagation of Islamic values and to register all Muslim property to protect it from land grabbers. Meanwhile, Her Excellency Specioza Wandira Kazibwe, former Vice President of Uganda, commended the UMSC leadership under Mufti Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje for fostering good working relations with government.
Hon. Hajjat Sophie Safina Kenyangi, Chairperson of the National Muslim Women Council, assured Muslim women that her office would soon roll out the UGX 2 billion Presidential Revolving Fund to support SACCOs and poverty alleviation initiatives.
In his moving remarks, Mufti Mubaje reflected on the UMSC’s 25-year journey since he assumed office, noting the council’s transformation into a self-sustaining and well-structured institution. He urged the newly appointed Kadhis to be service-oriented, emphasizing that leadership should be about commitment and cooperation rather than titles.
“Work harmoniously with government and other faith groups,” he advised, also urging citizens to maintain peace and stability during the forthcoming national elections.
The event was crowned with the reading of President Museveni’s written speech by Mr. Kirunda, in which the President emphasized the need for community leaders — particularly the new Kadhis — to mobilize their followers to take part in government development programmes aimed at fighting poverty.
The President also pledged continued government collaboration with religious institutions to promote unity and social transformation. Among the notable attendees were the Mufti’s special envoys to the UK and South Sudan, members of the UMSC General Assembly, Executive, and National Management Committee, as well as Members of Parliament, local government leaders, cultural heads, politicians and religious figures from across Busoga.
