UPDF team competes in prestigious Makkah Quran recitation contest
By Jafar Mugera
Four officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF)—Capt. Hassan Omar Angubo, Lance Corporal Lubowa Sadat, Lance Corporal Wasswa Hakim, and Private Rashid Ibrahim—are participating in the 10th edition of the bi-annual International Holy Quran Competition for Military Personnel. The competition began on February 8 in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Organized by the General Directorate of Religious Affairs of the Armed Forces, the event has drawn 179 contestants representing military personnel from 32 countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
During his speech at the opening ceremony, Major General Dr. Mesfer Al-Issa, Director General of the General Administration of Religious Affairs of the Armed Forces and Supervisor General of the competition, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts in serving the Holy Quran under the guidance of its leadership. He emphasized that the competition is unique, as it brings together armed forces members from different nations to compete in Quran memorization and recitation. He further noted that the event reflects the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to promoting Quranic teachings and fostering the noble values of Islam among military personnel, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leading role in serving the Holy Quran.
The competition features six categories, including the memorization of the entire Quran, 20 parts, 10 parts, five parts, and three parts, all with proper recitation and Tajweed. The sixth category focuses on the most beautiful recitation with Tajweed and excellent performance, read directly from the Qur’an.
Uganda’s team is competing in the 10, five, and three Juz categories, as well as the Tilawa (Best Voice) category for Quran recitation.
Uganda’s defence attaché in Riyadh, Colonel Younes Bagada, expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for the warm hospitality extended to the Ugandan delegation.
“We are ably represented, and we are here to fly Uganda’s flag high. We thank the CDF for enhancing our image as an institution and as a country,” Maj. Katamba said.
A panel of five distinguished judges, led by renowned Quran expert Dr. Abdallah bin Muhamad Al-Jarallah, will determine the top five reciters in each category. Other judges include Dr. Muhammad bin Ahmed Al-Barhaji, Dr. Yassir bin Rashid Al-Dosari, Colonel Ibrahim Fahid Al-Otaibi, and Colonel Abdul Aziiz bin Ahmed Al-Ajlan.
Beyond the competition, one of its main objectives is to promote peace by fostering coexistence among people of different opinions, beliefs, and cultures.
