MWL chief to grace UMSC golden jubilee fete

By Jafar Mugera

Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al-Issa, the secretary- general of the Muslim World League (MWL), is among the high-profile guests who have been invited for the belated 50th anniversary of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).

This will be Al-Issa’s first visit to Uganda since August 2016 when he assumed leadership of the Riyadh-based Islamic religious organisation.

According to the Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the celebrations which are scheduled for December 12, 2024,at Kololo Independence grounds, will also attract the attendance of his counter parts from various countries, ministers from Muslim countries as well as renowned Muslim scholars like Dr Zakir Naik.

Mubaje expressed pride in the progress made over the past few years. “There is something to celebrate about,” Sheikh Mubaje said, pointing at the infrastructural developments at Old Kampala hill, the seat of UMSC.

“This is a new UMSC, and that is why our slogan for the golden jubilee celebrations is Tuli ku kipya,” he added. The slogan underscores UMSC’s renewed efforts towards unity and progress. Among the activities lined up for the celebrations are a marathon, an international symposium, and a Quran competition.

UMSC, founded in 1972, was the result of then- President Al-Hajji Idi Amin’s initiative to bring together the different Muslim factions in the country at a religious conference in Kabale.

Over the years, the institution has faced several upheavals that have, at various stages, threatened the unity of the Muslim community in Uganda.

Mubaje, who took leadership in December 2000, managed to keep the Muslim community unified for at least eight years. However, in 2008, he faced

Dr Zakir Naik

allegations of mismanaging Muslim properties, which led to divisions and resistance from break away factions.

He regrets the time lost in the fights “because it slowed our development.” Despite the setbacks, UMSC has made significant strides, including building shops around its headquarters.

“From the shops we built about the UMSC headquarters, we can raise money to cater for some of the utility bills. Every month, we pay about Shs 20 million for the electricity, Shs 7 million for water and Shs 6 million for cleaning. This money is now generated from the shops,” Mubaje said. UMSC has also constructed Sharia chambers and established Tourism offices as part of its infrastructural developments.

President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the guest of honour.