Mubaje emphasizes hard work over marrying for wealth
Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has urged young people to prioritize hard work over marrying wealthy individuals.
He made these remarks during the burial of Mzee Ismail Gidudu, a respected shoe shiner in Mbale City, held in Makuduyu village on Tuesday.
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Gidudu was the father of Hawa Namaganda, a security officer at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters in Old Kampala.
“Don’t focus on a woman’s wealth unless you’re prepared to take on household responsibilities. Never undervalue work,” Mubaje said.
He highlighted Gidudu’s success, stating, “The deceased was a shoe shiner who supported his family of nine children. Today, women are leading in various professions.”
Mubaje praised Gidudu as a hardworking and honest individual who strongly supported his leadership.
“I knew Gidudu since my time as Kadhi of Mbale District, as he operated near my shop. It took me some time to realize that Namaganda was his daughter,” he shared.
Mubaje also emphasized that many jobs, such as shoe shining, roadside chicken roasting, or selling groceries, require minimal capital.
“Find a suitable location and start your business with what little capital you have,” he advised young people.
He further highlighted the UMSC’s efforts to enhance the economic status of the Muslim community, noting that Shs 700 million has been allocated for various agricultural projects across eleven Muslim regions to boost household incomes.
“Some regions will cultivate coffee and cocoa, while others will focus on goat and sheep farming, depending on their local conditions. I urge Kadhis to encourage people to prepare their gardens. We will soon distribute seeds funded by UMSC. This is our money; we haven’t received any government support,” he clarified.
In addition to economic development, Sheikh Mubaje warned Muslims to stay alert against the mild resurgence of COVID-19 in East Africa.
“I recently returned from an international conference in Makkah with the Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti (RAM). Upon returning to Uganda, I experienced flu and a cough and tested positive for COVID-19. If you experience persistent flu and cough, please get tested and seek treatment,” he advised.
At the same burial, Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa praised the Muslims of Mbale for their steadfast support of Sheikh Mubaje.
“People often appreciate good deeds but oppose those who bring change. I want to thank the Muslims of Mbale for supporting the Mufti. It’s common for people to turn against leaders once they rise to power, as seen with the Prophet,” Sheikh Waiswa said.
He encouraged people to visit their headquarters to appreciate the progress made under the Mufti’s leadership.
“We thank Allah for the Mufti’s guidance and pray for his continued good health to lead us to greater achievements. His leadership has united the Ummah and fostered development,” he added.
Earlier, Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wandega, the RAM for Eastern Uganda, also commended the Mufti for transforming the image of Islam and the UMSC.
“If you haven’t visited Old Kampala recently, you might find it changed. Many haven’t visited the headquarters and may be misinformed. The Mufti’s achievements at the council are significant and courageous. Let’s continue to support and pray for the Mufti as the UMSC grows and evolves,” he urged.
