The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has called on Muslim faithful, particularly religious leaders, to embrace education as a cornerstone for unity, harmony and socio-economic development within the Muslim community.
Mufti Mubaje made the remarks at a thanksgiving ceremony organised by the family of Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda Busungu, the Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti, who recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in Sharia from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU). The ceremony was held at Basmat Arena in Kawempe Mbogo.
Basing his message on the Holy Qur’an, the Mufti emphasised the elevated status of knowledge in Islam, reminding the faithful that Allah raises those endowed with knowledge to higher ranks.
“Never be upset or disappointed when asked to vacate a seat for a learned person, because Almighty Allah has, from time immemorial, ordained and elevated the knowledgeable to high positions among His servants,” Mubaje said.
He urged Muslims to respect leadership founded on merit and learning, noting that education plays a critical role in addressing long-standing challenges within the Muslim community.
The Mufti expressed satisfaction that his long-running campaign encouraging Muslims to pursue formal education is beginning to bear fruit.
“I applaud all UMSC staff, including Sheikh Sserwadda, the main celebrant, who, despite his advanced age, embraced the idea and returned to university to advance his knowledge,” he said, adding that education is key to unlocking development in a community that has lagged behind for decades.
Mufti Mubaje attributed past conflicts within the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) largely to ignorance and selfish interests.
“Many of the challenges that long hindered UMSC’s structure and operations, including wrangling and infighting, were mainly fueled by widespread ignorance and compounded by some semi-literate individuals driven by selfish agendas,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal journey, the Mufti recalled studying in Saudi Arabia more than four decades ago before returning home to establish a learning institution, teach Muslims free of charge, and serve as a mosque imam while continuing his own education.
“Today, the council is steadily moving in the right direction with its strategic plan. Having well-trained human resources in the appropriate positions is why you hardly hear unnecessary noise,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
He added that strategic silence in the face of provocation has helped restore stability within the Muslim community.
The Mufti further encouraged Muslim leaders across the country to emulate graduates like Sheikh Sserwadda by prioritising education at all levels.
The Second Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, and the UMSC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, both graduates, thanked Mufti Mubaje for his mentorship and guidance.
The ceremony was attended by members of the UMSC National Management Committee, former Secretary General Haj Edris Sserugo Kasenene, members of the General Assembly, Sheikh Ismail Lukelebwa of Majlis Al-Ulama, Sheikh Musitafa Khamis Lule, East Buganda Regional Assistant to the Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Yahaya Lukwago, educationists, other prominent sheikhs, community leaders and distinguished guests.