Shia Muslims in Mayuge District have gathered at their centre to commemorate Ashura, an annual holy day marking the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Ashura is observed by Shia Muslims around the world on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The day commemorates the death of Hussein at the Battle of Karbala and is often described by Shia faithful as a day of mourning and reflection.
During the commemoration held at the Shia centre in Mayuge, the Head of Da’wa (Islamic outreach) at the Ahlul Bayt Islamic Foundation Uganda (ABIFU), Sheikh Muhammad Bikumbi, said Ashura serves as a reminder for Muslims to remain committed to their faith and deepen their understanding of Islamic teachings.
Sheikh Bikumbi said Shia Islam is practised in many countries around the world and should not be viewed as a faith limited to a particular country.
He urged Muslims not to lose faith amid global conflicts and challenges, saying religious teachings encourage justice, perseverance and peaceful coexistence.
"The challenges facing the world today, including wars and confusion, should not make believers abandon their faith," Sheikh Bikumbi said.
He added that religious disagreements have existed throughout history but encouraged Muslims to remain guided by the principles of their faith.
The Director of Ahlul Bayt Islamic Foundation Uganda and former Mayuge District Chairperson, Hajji Omar Bongo Daktur, called on Shia Muslims to actively participate in religious study circles and community gatherings.
Speaking to faithful at the centre in Buyemba, Bukatuube Sub-county, Bongo said proper understanding of religion is essential for believers to confidently practise their faith.
"You cannot practise religion properly without thoroughly learning what is connected to your faith," Bongo said.
He said increased religious education would help believers respond to misconceptions about Shia Islam and strengthen their confidence in their beliefs.
Bongo also called on Muslim leaders to embrace digital platforms, including social media and the internet, to expand religious outreach and share Islamic teachings with wider audiences.
He said technology has become an important tool for communication and urged mosque leaders to develop strategies for using online platforms to reach more people.
The Ahlul Bayt Islamic Foundation Uganda leadership pledged support to religious leaders seeking to use digital platforms to spread religious knowledge and strengthen community engagement.
Ashura remains one of the most significant commemorations in the Shia Islamic calendar, observed through prayers, religious gatherings and reflection on the values associated with Hussein ibn Ali’s life and sacrifice.
