A delegation of senior Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces officers has paid a courtesy visit to Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, seeking the support of Muslim leaders in promoting peace and stability ahead of the forthcoming national elections.
The delegation, led by Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, the UPDF Chief Political Commissar, met the Mufti at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council headquarters in Old Kampala.
Maj. Gen. Masiko said the visit was conducted in line with UPDF standing orders, which require the army to engage key stakeholders, including religious leaders, as part of its civic and political outreach.
“This is part of our duty as outlined in the UPDF standing orders. We have been visiting mainstream religious leaders to deliver a message of peace and stability as the country prepares for elections early next year,” Masiko said.
He emphasised the significant influence religious leaders hold over their congregations and urged them to encourage calm and restraint before, during and after the electoral period.
“We are aware that your messages are heard by the populace. We would therefore be grateful if harmony is promoted and the faithful are advised to remain calm during and after the election period,” he said.
Masiko added that the UPDF engages civilians through four key areas under his department, stressing that the army is composed of professional and disciplined soldiers committed to protecting the population.
“The UPDF will never turn against the people it is mandated to serve,” he said.
Other senior officers, including Maj. Gen. Samuel Kawagga and Brig. Gen. Abdurahman Rugumayo, also addressed the meeting, underscoring the importance of unity and harmony as foundations for national stability and development.
In his response, Mufti Mubaje welcomed the delegation and briefed them on the history of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, noting that he has served as Mufti for the past 25 years.
He highlighted ongoing activities within the council, including a constitutional amendment process which he said has helped restore stability within the Muslim community.
“It has indeed helped to restore sanity within the Muslim community,” the Mufti said, adding that the process had the support of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
He also explained how mainstream religious institutions came together to form the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda as a platform for promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among different faiths.
The Mufti assured the visiting officers of the council’s continued commitment to peace building.
“As UMSC, we remain committed to ensuring that Muslim clerics preach peace, tolerance and mutual understanding among the faithful,” he said.
