Mubaje rallies support for needy students in ICUC fundraising appeal
By Ahmed Idriss
“An investment in one child’s education is an investment in the future of an entire community.”
This was the core message from Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, as he officially launched a resource mobilization drive to support needy students and improve learning facilities at the Islamic Call University College (ICUC), under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
The Mufti made the impassioned call shortly after Juma (Friday) prayers at the National Mosque on Old Kampala Hill, on July 25, 2025, urging Muslims across Uganda and beyond to contribute generously to the drive.
“The demand is far greater than the resources available,” he stated in his written remarks, inviting Muslim individuals, families, professionals, and business owners to sponsor students or donate funds. He also encouraged organizations and development partners to adopt scholarship packages and promote the cause within their networks.
He emphasized that every contribution counts: “Your support is sadaqah jariyah—a form of charity whose reward continues long after you are gone.”
The Mufti’s call comes at a critical time for ICUC, a tertiary institution under UMSC, which is currently home to over 900 students—most of whom are categorized as needy.
He highlighted ongoing efforts like the Mufti’s Bursary Fund, which has so far supported 1,000 students nationwide with donations from Insan Charity (Kuwait), One UMMAH, and other well-wishers.
Tracing the university’s roots, the Mufti recounted how ICUC was established during the reign of the late Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi, following successful lobbying by a Ugandan delegation led by high-profile figures, including Prof. Dr. Badru Kiggundu—now Chairperson of the ICUC Governing Council.
However, the university lost its Libyan affiliation after Gaddafi’s fall and has since depended solely on UMSC.
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Kiggundu outlined the structure of the newly launched fundraising campaign, pledging continued stewardship from the ICUC Governing Council.
