The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, hosted the newly elected Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Rev Canon Grace Lubaale, at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Headquarters in Old Kampala, emphasizing the importance of continued interfaith cooperation.
The courtesy visit introduced the Bishop-elect to the Mufti and briefed him on preparations for his forthcoming consecration, scheduled for December 2025.
Bishop Lubaale will succeed Rt Rev Paul Samson Naimanhye, who is retiring after years of service to the Anglican faithful in Busoga Diocese.
The meeting, held in the UMSC Boardroom, was attended by senior Muslim leaders, including Sheikh Muhammad Waiswa, Deputy Mufti; Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, 2nd Deputy Mufti; Hajj Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, Secretary General; Abdu-Razaq Arinda, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Development; and Sheikh Kassimu Kamugisha, UMSC Executive Committee member.
In his remarks, Mufti Mubaje welcomed the Bishop-elect and commended the spirit of mutual respect and collaboration between Uganda’s major faith communities, particularly through the Inter-religious Council of Uganda (IRCU).
“We congratulate you upon your recent appointment to this high office,” the Mufti said. “It is a challenging responsibility that requires patience, deep listening, and hard work as you serve your flock.”
Drawing from the Holy Scriptures, he likened religious leadership to the role of a shepherd guiding and caring for the flock.
Sheikh Mubaje also briefed Rev Lubaale on the UMSC’s history, structure, and operations since its inception in 1972, highlighting its mandate to promote unity and development among Muslims nationwide.
He assured the Bishop-elect of the Council’s continued goodwill and readiness to collaborate with the Christian community in promoting peace, understanding, and social development.
In response, Rev Lubaale expressed appreciation for the warm reception, noting that such engagements strengthen interfaith harmony and national cohesion.
“I am deeply grateful for this warm welcome,” he said, extending an invitation to the UMSC leadership to attend his consecration ceremony in December.
The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Uganda’s faith leaders in fostering peaceful coexistence, moral guidance, and unity among the country’s diverse communities.