Noor Islamic Institute marks 40 Years of shaping Islamic scholarship in Bugisu
By Ahmed Idriss
Noor Islamic Institute, the pioneer Islamic institute in the Bugisu Region, celebrated forty years of service on November 22, 2025, at its campus in Buwalula along the Mbale–Tororo Road. Founded by the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, during his studies in Saudi Arabia, the institute has produced some of the country’s most respected clerics and Imams.
Its top alumni include Sheikh Hamid Wandega, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti for Eastern Region; his North Eastern counterpart, Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilani; Sheikh Ali Shiuyo, the Secretary for Haj at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council; Sheikh Dr. Badru Harouna Matasi; Sheikh Muhammad Mangalya of the Islamic University in Uganda; Sheikh Sulaiman Luutu Wandera, the Imam of Noor Mosque Mbale Town; and his Bilal counterpart, Sheikh Uthuman Gibedya.
Learners, alumni, teachers, community members, and religious leaders hailed Noor Islamic Institute as a life-shaping centre of knowledge whose impact has transformed communities for four decades. The thanksgiving ceremony, presided over by the Mufti, drew hundreds of beneficiaries. “This institute was founded to serve the Ummah with knowledge and moral guidance,” the Mufti said, welcoming guests to the celebration.
Old students spoke about how the institute moulded their discipline, character, and spiritual grounding.
Muhammad Wavamuno, a journalist and acting chairperson of the Old Students Association, said: “Noor is where we learned discipline, scholarship, and the humility that guides us even today. This institution made us who we are, and as alumni we stand ready to support every step of its next phase.”
The newly appointed Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Muhammad Shaban Mubaje, delivered his maiden speech, paying tribute to the sacrifices of the founders.
“Our fathers built this institute with nothing but hope and faith,” he said. “It is our responsibility as a community to sustain this dream for the next 40 years and beyond.”
Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, now the 2nd Deputy Mufti, reminisced about his time at the school. “I began here as a Qur’an teacher, and the Mufti believed in me long before I believed in myself,” he said. “That opportunity led me to Saudi Arabia and shaped the path I walk today.”
Representing the historical founders, Sheikh Isa Ahmad Masaba, the Kadhi of Bugisu Muslim District, recalled the challenging early years.
“We began in small mud-brick structures, but we had a big dream,” he said. “The Mufti was a young, hardworking, compassionate man with a heart fully committed to Islamic education.”
He added: “Students came from Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, and all corners of Uganda. Noor became a home for everyone seeking Islamic knowledge.”
Parents also highlighted the institute’s long record of academic excellence and moral upbringing.
Hussein Mbaaga, speaking for the Parents-Teachers Association, said:
“We are grateful for the values Noor instills in our children. As parents, we will continue supporting its academic and infrastructural growth.”
Local leaders also commended the Mufti. Karim Masaba, the Mbale City Industrial Division Member of parliament noted: “This institute has empowered our communities for decades. Its influence goes far beyond Mbale.”
Speaking on behalf of UMSC management, Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, said the institute’s progress reflects its name. “The vision of Noor — ‘light’ — has truly shone for 40 years,” he said. “Look at the calibre of human resource this institute has produced. That light continues to spread across Uganda.”
In his keynote address, the Mufti thanked beneficiaries for their tributes and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to revitalisation. “We are entering a new chapter,” he said. “We must prioritise academic excellence, strengthen student discipline, improve infrastructure, and ensure security.” He called on all stakeholders to join in supporting the institute’s future.
