UMSC, Russian Muslim leaders sign Memorandum
By Ahmed Idriss
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Russia to strengthen relations between Muslim communities in the two countries.
The agreement, which covers religious, educational, humanitarian and social cooperation, was signed in Moscow on Tuesday, October 27, by Uganda’s Mufti, Dr Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, and Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, chairman of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Russia.
The signing took place during an international conference titled Spiritual Bridges: Russia and Africa — Dialogue for Peace and Creation, attended by Muslim leaders from several African countries.
Held at the President Hotel in Moscow, the conference explored ways in which religious institutions in Russia and Africa could work together on education, humanitarian activities, interfaith relations and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.
It was organised by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation in partnership with the Russia–Islamic World Strategic Vision Group.
Similar agreements were signed with Muslim organisations from other African countries, including Tanzania, Chad and Mauritania.
The gathering also brought together representatives of Russian government institutions, academia and civil society.
Addressing participants, Sheikh Gainutdin said Russian and African Muslims had much to learn from one another, particularly in managing religious and cultural diversity.
He called for stronger ties between religious institutions and greater cooperation in promoting shared moral values and peaceful relations among communities.
The conference ended with the adoption of a joint resolution and the signing of several cooperation agreements.
Ahead of the conference, Mubaje held talks with Gainutdin on Uganda’s experience in interfaith cooperation, religious education and community development.
The two leaders also discussed the role of religious institutions in promoting peace and supporting vulnerable communities.
Mubaje has been involved in several regional and international interfaith initiatives. He chairs the African Forum for Muslim Councils and serves as co-chair of the African Councils of Religious Leaders for Peace and president of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda.
The agreement is expected to provide a framework for the UMSC and its Russian counterpart to exchange experiences and explore joint programmes in areas of mutual interest.
However, details of specific projects, funding arrangements and implementation timelines have not yet been announced.
