UMSC leaders meet Museveni over PDM, upcoming fetes

President Yoweri Museveni has held discussions with the leadership of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) as the Muslim body seeks to funds for its scheduled events later this year.

Led by the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubaje, the team  extended their appreciation to Museveni for his generous financial support towards various Islamic activities, particularly the recent amendment of the UMSC constitutional and the subsequent elections.

Sheikh Mubaje also informed President Museveni that the UMSC has embraced Parish Development Model (PDM) and pledged their full support for all government wealth creation programs within their structures across the country. 

“This commitment reflects the UMSC’s dedication to promoting socio-economic development and improving the lives of Muslims and Ugandans at large,” the Mufti said. 

Sheikh Mubaje further revealed UMSC’s plans to launch a comprehensive coffee/cocoa planting initiative across the ten Muslim regions in Uganda. The aim of this initiative is to support the government’s efforts in eradicating poverty.

The UMSC intends to commence the project in August this year, with a target of planting at least 200 acres in each region.

Sheikh Mubajje requested government support in the designated regions to ensure the smooth operation of the coffee/cocoa planting initiative. 

Furthermore, Sheikh Mubajje requested President Museveni’s support for the Union of East African Muslim Councils conference, scheduled for September 2024. The conference aims to foster collaboration and cooperation among Muslim councils in the East African region.

In addition, the UMSC invited President Museveni to be the chief guest at the forthcoming “UMSC @ 50” event, scheduled for December 2024. The event expects to host over 2,000 guests, including more than 40 Muftis from around the world. The UMSC seeks President Museveni’s endorsement and support to make this milestone celebration a success.

On the other hand, the UMSC requested Museveni’s support for the Uganda Women Muslim Council function, scheduled for October 2024, which aims to empower and uplift Muslim women in Uganda.

Museveni welcomed UMSC’s endorsement of the government’s “prosperity for all” programs but called on the Sheikhs to dissuade youths from joining the activities of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

“These young people from the family must get a direction of how to survive in life,” the President said. 

He expressed concern that some young boys, particularly those in ADF who are predominantly Muslim, lack the knowledge and understanding of how to lead productive lives. 

He emphasised that the banditry in Congo is not the only path to survival, and it is crucial for the youth to be guided towards more positive and constructive avenues.

“They don’t know how to live, they think the only way to live  is being a bandit in Congo, ” he added.

President Museveni reiterated the significance of churches and mosques in promoting a culture of wealth creation. He stressed the need for religious institutions to emphasise the importance of economic empowerment and self-sufficiency among their followers.

Regarding the requests presented by the UMSC, Museveni pledged his support for the activities and initiatives throughout the year. He affirmed his commitment to collaborating with the UMSC and other religious organisations to foster unity and socio-economic development.