St Francis junior school humbles UMSC boss

By Jafar Mugera

Sheikh Salim Bbosa, the deputy director of Sharia at Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), left the Buddo-based St Francis junior school humbled with the school’s incorporation of Islamic theological studies in their curriculum.

Sheikh Bbosa was chief guest at the school’s Muslim day at which the Muslim learners their showcased their knowledge of Islamic studies. This experience served as a wake-up call for Muslim- founded schools, with Sheikh Bbosa stating, “This is a challenge to Muslim to the Muslim founded schools, it is a shame that a school named St Francis finds important to teach its Muslim learners the Qurán while schools started by Muslims don’t.”

He urged directors and headteachers of Muslim- founded schools to take this as a challenge and learn from St Francis junior school’s example. Bbosa praised the pupils of St Francis Junior School, saying, “It’s remarkable to see learners

performing the Islamic funeral prayer with ease, whereas many adult Muslims struggle with it.” He urged parents to tap into their children’s knowledge, emphasising the importance of religious education. “Don’t be hesitant to ask your child to teach you.

This is essential religious knowledge that every Muslim should possess. Allow yourself to be taught by your children, for they have acquired what you may not have,” Sheikh Bbosa said. He further appealed to parents to parents to support their children in advancing their Islamic theological studies.

“Empower your children to deepen their understanding of Islam. They have demonstrated exceptional talent in reading the Yasaruna, reciting Hadith, and Quranic recitation. Nurture their spiritual growth and encourage them to become future leaders in Islamic scholarship.