Mufti urges Kyambogo students to pursue beneficial knowledge
By Ahmed Idriss
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has urged university students to use their education to improve society, saying academic achievement should go hand in hand with good character and strong moral values.
Mubaje made the call on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during his maiden visit to Kyambogo University, where he was hosted by the Kyambogo University Muslim Staff Association (KYUMSTA) and the Kyambogo University Muslim Students Association (KYUMSA), with support from the university administration.
Addressing staff and students at the university auditorium, the Mufti drew on verses from the Holy Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad to stress the importance of education in personal growth and national development.
He cautioned students against treating education as a race for good grades, urging them instead to seek knowledge that would benefit their families, communities and the country.
“Remember, true success combines worldly achievements with spiritual soundness,” he said.
Mubaje commended the university administration for allowing people of different religious backgrounds to practise their faith freely. He also urged the institution to ensure that its graduates leave with not only professional skills but also integrity and a sense of responsibility to society.
The visit also raised the prospect of formal cooperation between Kyambogo University and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), following a proposal by the university leadership to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Prof Justus Kwetegyeka, the Deputy Vice Chancellor who represented Vice Chancellor Prof Elly Katunguka-Rwakishaya, described the visit as historic, saying it was the first time a senior Muslim leader had visited the university since its establishment.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Kwetegyeka said religious institutions such as UMSC had an important role to play in promoting education, moral values, spiritual growth, peace and social development.
He said the engagement should also encourage the university to ensure that its teaching and research address practical challenges facing communities across Uganda.
Prof Kwetegyeka proposed an MoU to provide a framework for cooperation, including the exchange of knowledge and expertise and capacity building. The Mufti welcomed the proposal.
Earlier, KYUMSTA chairperson Associate Prof Khadija Nakisinge described the visit as a source of encouragement to Muslim staff and students.
She said universities should go beyond academic instruction to nurture integrity, discipline, responsibility and a commitment to serving others.
Prof Nakisinge also asked the Mufti to support Muslim staff seeking opportunities in mainstream government employment and requested that university Muslims be considered for annual Hajj slots facilitated through his office.
The university Imam thanked Mubaje for accepting the invitation, while Dean of Students Prof Bridget Mugume appealed to him to help students whose education had been disrupted by a lack of tuition fees.
