The Department of Religious Affairs is a key organ of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, established under Article 15(2) of the UMSC Constitution. It is headed by the Secretary for Religious Affairs, who also doubles as the Secretary of Majlis Al Ulama.
The Department is responsible for the coordination, guidance, and strengthening of Muslim religious affairs across all levels of the UMSC structure, ensuring unity, proper leadership, and adherence to Islamic principles.
The current Secretary for Religious Affairs is Sheikh Ssali Imran Abdunoor, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sharia from the International University of Africa, Khartoum (Sudan). He is supported by the Administrative Assistant, Mr. Ssengendo Kasim Hussein, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Management from the Islamic University in Uganda, and assists in the coordination and administrative functions of the Department.
The Department organizes and streamlines Islamic activities nationwide to ensure consistency in religious teachings, programs, and practices.
It provides guidance to Districts, Counties, and Mosques to maintain unity and proper direction in religious matters.
The Department works closely with the Government of Uganda on religious matters, including collaboration with:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Gender
- Other relevant government institutions
This engagement facilitates the coordination, clearance, and deployment of foreign scholars, teachers and Du’aat to support Islamic propagation across the country.
The Department maintains comprehensive records of all religious leaders under UMSC, including Imams, County Sheikhs, and District Kadhis.
To enhance efficiency and accountability, the Department has established:
- Structured physical records for each District
- Digital (soft copy) record systems
- Communication platforms linking religious leaders nationwide
This system ensures proper data management, transparency, and effective coordination.
The Department advises the appointing authority on matters related to the appointment of religious leaders.
This includes:
- Verification of academic and religious credentials
- Conducting investigations to ensure authenticity
- Submission of periodic reports to guide decision-making
This process ensures integrity, credibility, and competence in religious leadership.
The Department performs additional duties assigned by UMSC organs and supports initiatives aimed at strengthening religious leadership and community development.
The Department of Religious Affairs is committed to:
- Strengthening religious leadership
- Promoting unity within the Muslim Ummah
- Enhancing accountability and organization within Umsc structures
- Supporting effective Islamic religious programs
The Department promotes a structured system that can be replicated at all levels:
- Regional Level: Maintain records for each district
- District Level: Maintain records for each County
- County Level: Maintain records for each Mosque
- Mosque Level: Ensure proper documentation of all Muslims within it’s jurisdiction.
The Department also encourages the use of digital communication platforms to enhance coordination, efficiency, and timely information sharing.
