Supreme Mufti moves to ban prom parties

By Jafar Mugera

The Supreme Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi, has directed all Muslim schools under the Kibuli-based Muslim leadership to stop organising prom parties, saying they contravene Islamic principles.

Speaking during the annual commemoration of the legacy of Prince Nuhu Mbogo Kyabasinga at Kibuli Mosque on June 28, Sheikh Galabuzi said Muslim schools were no longer expected to hold such events.

“I have taken time to understand what prom parties are and what they involve. Based on the explanations I received, we do not expect any schools under our leadership to organise such parties again,” the cleric said.

Prom parties originated in the United States in the late 19th century as modest tea dances for graduating high school students. Over time, however, they evolved into elaborate social events, some of which have been associated with indecent behaviour.

Sheikh Galabuzi said such conduct is Haram and has no place in Muslim schools.

Most of Uganda’s prominent Muslim secondary schools that organise prom parties for their candidate classes are affiliated with the Kibuli administration. Whether they will fully comply with the Supreme Mufti’s directive, however, remains to be seen.

The directive comes barely a year after the Ministry of Education and Sports issued guidelines aimed at de-commercialising school social activities, including prom parties and student leadership elections.

In a circular dated May 16, 2025, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, prohibited extravagant displays such as the hiring of helicopters, luxury vehicles and motorcycles for school parties and student elections. She argued that such practices placed unnecessary financial pressure on parents while undermining the values of modesty and discipline expected of learners.

Despite the directive, enforcement has remained weak, with many schools continuing to organise lavish prom celebrations in apparent disregard of the ministry’s guidance.