Government to establish advanced Madrassa schools

By Ahmed Idriss

The government has plans to establish structured Madrassa institutions offering comprehensive Islamic education from primary to college level, with support from Muslim-majority nations. The revelation was made by Henry Okello Oryem, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, during an Iftar dinner hosted by Justice Minister Nobert Mao at his Lubowa residence on Monday evening.  

“President Museveni has tasked us with reaching out to Muslim countries to establish well-developed Madrassa institutions,” Oryem announced.

“These schools will follow a structured curriculum designed by esteemed Islamic scholars, integrating both religious and modern education,“ he added.  

Madrassas in Uganda have traditionally served as centers for Quranic memorization and basic Islamic teachings, often operating informally within mosques and community spaces.

While they play a crucial role in religious instruction, many lack standardized curricula, infrastructure, and accreditation. Security agencies also view them with suspicion, with allegations that some act as indoctrination and recruitment centers for the Allied Democratic Forces rebel group.

The new government initiative seeks to transform these institutions into formalized academic centers, aligning them with national education standards while preserving Islamic values.  

A night of unity and interfaith solidarity  

The Iftar dinner, organized by Nobert Mao brought together Muslim leaders, government officials, and diplomats in a celebration of interfaith harmony.  

Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, Deputy Mufti of Uganda, commended Mao’s gesture.

“We are grateful for your compassion and respect towards Muslims, especially during this sacred month,” Sheikh Waiswa said.

Mao, reflecting on his own experiences, shared a light-hearted childhood memory.  

“I almost learned to recite the Holy Qur’an when I was taken to study at Bugembe in Jinja,” he recalled.  

He emphasized national unity, urging Ugandans to “reconcile past differences and work together for a stable future.”