Ugandan scholar Sheikh Hamzah Badru Kayiira has secured third place in the Hadith category at the King Salman bin Abdulaziz International Qur’an and Hadith Competition held in Senegal, earning national pride following his appearance on Salam TV’s Omukeeze programme hosted by Twaha Mukiibi.
The prestigious competition attracted 100 participants from different countries and was fully funded under the King Salman bin Abdulaziz initiative. Competitors in the Hadith category were tested on advanced Islamic scholarship, including the ability to present detailed biographies of Hadith narrators, their tribal lineage, and related Prophetic narrations.
Speaking during the television programme, Sheikh Kayiira attributed his success to early Qur’an memorisation, which he began at Ubbayi Quran Memorisation Centre before proceeding to Madinah for advanced Hadith studies.
“Qur’an memorisation is the reason all my careers have been easy,” he said. “I urge all parents to ensure their children learn the Qur’an. Once they master it, everything else becomes easier for them.”
He encouraged Ugandan Muslims to actively participate in academic and religious competitions from grassroots level, stressing that discipline and consistency make success attainable.
“With focus and commitment, everything is achievable,” he said.
Sheikh Kayiira also called on fellow Islamic scholars to expand da’wah efforts without underestimating others, noting that all levels of knowledge contribute meaningfully to religious outreach.
“In da’wah, no knowledge is too small; every bit of knowledge matters,” he said.
Reflecting on his academic journey, he expressed deep emotional connection to his studies, particularly the life of the Prophets and Hadith literature.
“Reading about the lives of the Prophets and the Hadith of him with his Companions touches me deeply. Sometimes, it even brings me to tears,” he added.
Following the television appearance, Sheikh Kayiira met with Hajji Karim Kaliisa, Managing Director of Salam TV and Salam Charity, who congratulated him on his achievement and praised his role in representing Uganda on an international stage.
Hajji Kaliisa said Salam TV continues to highlight such success stories to inspire young people and broaden access to educational and religious opportunities.
“The major role of Salam TV is development and to disseminate da’wah, hence bridging the gap between Muslims and the rest of the world,” he said.
Sheikh Kayiira’s achievement adds to Uganda’s growing visibility in international Islamic scholarship forums and competitions.