Mubaje calls for Muslim unity amid global challenges
By Ahmed Idriss
Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has urged Muslim nations to unite in addressing the struggles faced by Muslim communities worldwide.
His call came during a meeting with South Africa’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Ibrahim Ismail Bham, at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters in Old Kampala on Tuesday.
“We cannot remain silent while our brothers and sisters suffer,” Sheikh Mubaje said. “Allah has blessed many Muslim countries with resources, but we must do more to support those in need,” Mubaje added.
The two leaders expressed concern over the growing hardships faced by Muslim minorities globally, despite many Muslim-majority nations possessing vast wealth from oil, gas, and minerals.
Sheikh Bham emphasized that helping fellow Muslims is not just charity but a religious duty.
The Grand Mufti observed that these nations are divinely mandated, through the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, to aid their fellow Muslims. He emphasized that the suffering being witnessed today is avoidable if the Muslim world prioritizes collective responsibility and solidarity.
He also raised concern about the growing threats to Islamic identity, particularly among Muslim minorities in South Africa and Uganda, pointing out the hostile media environment and the unchecked spread of misinformation and anti-Islamic propaganda on social media platforms like TikTok.
“All these challenges call for unity and practical support from one another as brothers,” he said.
Sheikh Mubaje agreed, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between Muslim institutions worldwide. He noted that the UMSC is committed to working with like-minded bodies to design and implement programs that transform the lives of Muslim communities.
“We must conceive initiatives that can be rolled out across borders to promote development and social transformation,” he said.
Before their discussions, Sheikh Bham and his delegation toured the UMSC complex, including the Old Kampala Mosque. They were received by senior UMSC officials, including Sheikh Imran Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs, and Sheikh Hamid Sserwanda Busungu, Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti.
The South African delegation later joined a UMSC management meeting, where Sheikh Mubajeoutlined the council’s projects and future plans.
The visit concluded with a private meeting between the two Muftis to discuss further cooperation.
