Makerere Imam urges Ugandans to drive national development

By Issa Kigongo

Makerere University’s new Imam, Sheikh Abdul-Karim Abdallah Katamba, has challenged Ugandans to look beyond blaming others for the country’s problems and examine what they are doing to improve the nation.

In his first Friday sermon at Makerere University Mosque on October 9, Katamba said every citizen had a role in protecting peace, promoting justice, fighting corruption and ensuring public resources were used responsibly.

The sermon coincided with Uganda’s 64th Independence anniversary celebrations, prompting the Imam to ask worshippers to reflect on the country’s journey since gaining independence in 1962.

“Since 1962, that is not the only question we should ask ourselves. We should also ask ourselves, what have we done?” he said.

Katamba urged Ugandans to consider whether they were promoting peace, helping those in need, teaching children good values and contributing to the development of their communities.

“Every citizen in Uganda has a role to play,” he said, calling on people to leave the mosque determined to protect their neighbours and fellow citizens.

He described independence as a blessing for which Ugandans should thank Allah, but said gratitude must go beyond words and be reflected in how people conduct themselves, exercise authority, share knowledge and serve others.

PEACE AS A FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPMENT

Katamba warned against taking peace for granted, noting that conflict disrupts education, displaces families and divides communities.

“Where there is no peace, there can be no meaningful development,” he said.

He called on Ugandans to resolve disagreements through dialogue and reconciliation, and to reject tribalism, religious discrimination and violence.

The Imam also urged young people to take their education seriously, acquire practical skills and work hard, warning them against drugs, violence and other destructive behaviour.

He said the youth would shape Uganda’s future as leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and scholars, and encouraged them to use technology for learning, business and constructive communication rather than spreading hatred and misinformation.

Katamba further challenged young people to use their knowledge and opportunities to support poor and vulnerable members of society.

On environmental protection, he urged Ugandans to stop the unnecessary destruction of forests and wetlands, keep their communities clean and use natural resources responsibly.

Outgoing Imam calls for support

Katamba’s predecessor, Dr Sowedi Juma Mayanja, urged the university community to support the new Imam and offer him honest advice whenever necessary.

Mayanja also asked his successor to understand the needs of the mosque’s diverse congregation, which includes students, university staff and members of the surrounding business community.

Professor Abasa Kiyimba, a Makerere University lecturer and former student, thanked Mayanja for his service, saying the Muslim community had made considerable progress during his tenure.

Kiyimba noted that the mosque, originally planned to accommodate about 1,200 worshippers when the university had approximately 300 Muslims, was no longer large enough for the growing congregation.

Katamba’s appointment as Makerere University Imam took effect on October 1, 2026, following a selection process involving the Office of the Mufti of Uganda.