Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, is currently in Nairobi, Kenya, attending the 5th General Assembly of the African Council of Religious Leaders for Peace (ACRL-R/P).
The two-day event, which began on August 11, 2025, at the Emar Hotel, has drawn together more than 110 senior religious leaders, youth, and women of faith from across the African continent.
This year’s assembly, co-chaired by Mufti Mubaje and Most Reverend Albert Chama, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa, is focused on the theme “Shared Sacred Flourishing: Interfaith Leadership for Peace & Justice in Africa.”
The gathering aims to foster dialogue and collaboration around shared sacred values, moral responsibility, and the collective vision for thriving, peaceful communities.
Speaking at the opening session, Mufti Mubaje emphasized the importance of cooperation among Africa's diverse faith communities to address the continent's pressing issues.
“May this gathering inspire deeper collaboration, courageous dialogue, and transformative action. Together, let us advance our collective vision of a flourishing Africa grounded in our shared spiritual and moral values,” he said.
The assembly has become a crucial platform for religious leaders and stakeholders to engage in meaningful conversations that impact not just faith communities, but entire nations.
The event also includes a number of special initiatives such as the African Women of Faith Network and the Interfaith Youth Network, which are holding parallel sessions aimed at amplifying the voices of women and young people in peacebuilding efforts across the continent.
The 5th General Assembly has also seen the unveiling of the 4th ACRL-R/P Strategic Plan (2025–2030), which outlines key priorities for religious leaders over the next five years.
It highlights the commitment of ACRL-R/P to peace, justice, and human dignity through strategic collaboration with faith-based organizations and interfaith initiatives.
A notable feature of this year’s assembly is the high-level panel discussion on the ongoing peace crisis in Sudan.
The panel has provided a space for religious leaders to discuss and strategize potential interfaith responses to one of Africa's most urgent humanitarian and security crises.
The event has attracted a distinguished group of individuals, including Mr Francis Kuria, Secretary General of ACRL-R/P; Mr Joel Okindo, Governing Board Member; MrWilliam Vendley, R/P Secretary General Emeritus; Mr Ebraheem Ssali, Executive Secretary of the African Forum of Muslim Councils; and Mr Rajni Taylor, president of the Hindu Council of Africa, among many others.
The General Assembly's focus on interfaith leadership is vital in a region often faced with religious and ethnic divisions.
By promoting shared values of peace, justice, and social harmony, ACRL-R/P hopes to contribute to the creation of communities where all individuals can live with dignity and flourish regardless of their faith, ethnicity, or background.
“The future of Africa depends on our ability to foster unity in diversity,” remarked Dr. William Vendley during a panel discussion.
“Faith communities have an undeniable role to play in transforming our societies for the better.”
As the assembly continues into its second day, participants are optimistic that their discussions and commitments will lead to impactful outcomes that can address both immediate challenges and long-term peacebuilding in the region.
The African Council of Religious Leaders for Peace remains a beacon of hope for those working towards a more just, peaceful, and flourishing Africa, grounded in mutual respect and understanding among the continent’s diverse religious communities.
