Mufti hails Amin, urges MPs to strengthen Muslim institutions
By Issa Kigongo
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has praised former President Idi Amin Dada for establishing the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), saying the move laid the foundation for a unified Muslim leadership in Uganda.
Speaking during a meeting between the Muslim Parliamentary Caucus and the UMSC leadership, attended by Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo at the council’s headquarters in Old Kampala, Mubaje credited Amin with spearheading the formation of UMSC in 1972 to unite Muslims under one national institution.
The Mufti also commended President Yoweri Museveni for facilitating the acquisition of the land title for the UMSC headquarters and for introducing the leadership to the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who financed the construction of the current headquarters.
Mubaje defended the council’s management of Muslim properties, saying proceeds from the sale of the Sembabule ranch were reinvested in projects benefiting the Muslim community, including commercial properties, the construction of the Sembabule Muslim district headquarters, and other development initiatives.
“By the time I assumed office, this was a bushy area. Today, it is home to numerous projects that stand as a testament to what the Muslim community has achieved,” the Mufti said.
He explained that his invitation to the MPs was intended to showcase projects owned by the Muslim community collectively, rather than by individuals.
Among the initiatives he highlighted were the newly rebranded Insan International University, Old Kampala Muslim Hospital, as well as the Council’s radio and television stations, saying they reflect UMSC’s commitment to self-reliance instead of dependence on donations.
The Vice President Jessica Alupo urged the MPs to work closely with UMSC in shaping legislation, arguing that stronger collaboration would produce better laws, strengthen national institutions and promote inclusive national development.
“The Mufti has called upon us to enact laws that safeguard our institutions and future generations. I therefore appeal to you to always consult UMSC on all legislation affecting the Muslim community,” Alupo said.
She commended Muslim institutions, including mosques and schools, for their contribution to education, peacebuilding and social cohesion, noting that they continue to play a significant role in Uganda’s stability and development.
Alupo also underscored the need for legislation on Halal standards, saying such a framework would enable Uganda to tap into expanding international Halal markets as the country seeks to increase agricultural exports.
UMSC secretary general Hajji Abaasi Muluubya Ssekyanzi thanked the government for supporting projects that extend beyond the council’s religious mandate and appealed to Muslim legislators to lobby for increased funding for religious institutions during the national budget process.
Deputy chairperson of the Muslim Parliamentary Caucus, Bumali Mpindi, outlined the caucus’ legislative and policy priorities aimed at improving the welfare of Muslims across the country.
He said the caucus was lobbying the government to channel scholarship opportunities through UMSC for deserving Muslim students and was also pushing for the recognition of Thanawi certificates as equivalent to the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) to ease the progression of graduates from Islamic institutions into higher education.
