UMSC denies selling scholarships
By Issa Kigongo
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has dismissed claims that it sells scholarship opportunities, insisting that beneficiaries are selected independently by the institutions and governments that sponsor the programmes.
Speaking at a ceremony to flag off eight Ugandan students awarded scholarships to study at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif University in Cairo, Egypt, UMSC Secretary for Education, Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, said the council’s role is limited to publicising scholarship opportunities, receiving applications and forwarding them to the sponsoring institutions.
“UMSC does not choose who receives these scholarships,” Sheikh Cucu said.
“We announce the opportunities, collect applications and submit them to the respective organisations. The sponsors make the final selection,” he added.
He also rejected allegations that the council charges students for scholarships, explaining that any payments made by applicants are for personal requirements such as passports, medical examinations and travel documentation.
“The scholarship itself is free,” he said. “Any costs incurred are related to processing the applicant’s travel and documentation, not payment to UMSC.”
Cucu was representing the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, at the ceremony held on July 25 at the Main Library of the Islamic Call University College (ICUC) in Old Kampala.
The eight students are among 23 Ugandans selected this year to study at the prestigious Egyptian university.
They are Kakungulu Abdu-Rashid, Mayanja Shurahu Dauda, Bukenya Uthuman, Kamoga Ukasha, Kavuma Ubaiba, Seruwu Ashiraf, Mbaziira Mubaraka and Nagujja Zahara, the only female in the group.
All eight are former students of Namasenene Islamic Centre in Masaka Muslim District under the West Buganda Muslim Region.
Al – Azhar Scholarship programme resumes
Sheikh Cucu said the Al-Azhar scholarship programme has resumed after several years of suspension, describing its return as a significant opportunity for Ugandan Muslim students. He added that UMSC is engaging more partners to secure additional scholarships, particularly for academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, work hard and return home after their studies to contribute to the development of their communities.
Addressing parents, he reminded them that although tuition and other academic expenses are covered, they should continue supporting their children with personal needs while abroad.
Earlier, Sheikh Fahad Lubowa, Director of Studies for Islamic Theology at Namasenene Islamic Centre, thanked UMSC for facilitating access to international education and praised parents and teachers for nurturing the students to this milestone.
The scholarships to Al-Azhar University—one of the oldest and most respected centres of Islamic learning in the world—are expected to strengthen Uganda’s pool of Islamic scholars and religious leaders in the years ahead.
