The newly constituted Uganda Muslim Supreme Council(UMSC) constitution amendment commission has officially held its first session.
Under the stewardship of its chairperson, Dr. Edris Serugo Kasenene, the commission kicked off its activities at Old Kampala Mosque.
This started with the swearing-in of three commissioners which include Sheikh Abubakar Yusuf Musoke, Sheikh Yusuf Isah Byekwaso, and Abdurahman Buwembo Kasule.
In his keynote address to the members, the UMSC secretary general Ramadhan Mugalu took the Commission through the challenges the Muslim community went through prior to the formation of UMSC.
He explained how UMSC has managed to sail through several setbacks.
"UMSC is the most organised with structures and independent Muslim Institution on the entire African Continent in comparison with those State Controlled Muslim Religious Institutions especially the Arab dominated countries in Northern hemisphere of Africa and the Maghreb such as Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and others," Mugalu noted.
Mugalu said UMSC Constitution has been tested as a result both its strength and weakness have been identified.
He cited key achievements so far registered that include; unity, which has bridged Muslims with Ugandan authorities, social transformation in the field of education, health among others.
He however said that above all gave Uganda Muslims the right to select their leaders right from the village mosques.
He cited weaknesses that included the enumeration of employees, which affected service delivery, and the sidelining of women and youth from the management of Muslim affairs.
He explained that these among others slowed down the progress of the council.
He advised the commission to capitalise on the available strength to enable Muslims to consolidate unity that will fuel future development.
In crowning their first day, the commission resolved to rebrand as the UMSC constitution amendment commission, adopted its terms of reference, rules of procedure.
They also resolved to examine Constitutions of 1972, 1982, and 1986 and other vital documents pertaining to the task at hand.
