We Haven’t Contacted U.S Bishop Over Madarasa Curriculum – UMSC

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has denied making contact with the retired Bishop of California, William E. Swing to develop a curriculum for Islamic theological schools (Madarasas).

The Muslim body’s secretary for education, Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, described as “baseless, false and malicious” the reports that are linking UMSC to the American priest.

He was speaking at the graduation of pupils of Ibn Jazar Quran Memorisation Centre in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso district. He said, the reports which circulated on various media platforms, are intended to divert their focus from important issues.

Reading from Surat an-Nisa (4:83) where Allah said, “When news concerning peace or fear comes to them, they go about spreading it. Had they referred it to the Messenger and those having authority among them, the truth of the matter would have come to the knowledge of those of them who can investigate. But for Allah’s grace upon you, and mercy, you would have followed Satan, save a few,” Cucu urged Muslims to always consult their leaders when such sensitive issues arise. 

He likened the current scenario to the colonial times when Muslims withdrew from church-founded schools for the sake of protecting their Islamic faith.

“Long after their era, we are the ones now paying the price…we are facing similar challenges where Madrasa Schools are labelled as breeding grounds for terrorism. So, our approach is to face reality as Prophet Moses faced Pharaoh, Ibrahim faced Emperor Nimrod, and Muhammad faced the hostile Quraish tribe of Arabia. UMSC is at the forefront of steadily handling the matter,” he said.

He said that UMSC is working with other Muslim stakeholders including the Kibuli faction, Uganda Muslim Education Association (UMEA), Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Islamic Call University College among others to establish a single examinations body and a certificate awarding authority.

“That process is being handled by Muslim experts, not Christians as alleged,” he said further advising proprietors of Madrasa schools to register them with UMSC.

About Bishop Swing

According to his Linkedin profile, Swing is the founder and president of the United Religions Initiative, a global community committed to promoting enduring, daily interfaith cooperation and ending religiously motivated violence.