The Mufti made the remarks during a farewell ceremony held at the MUBS Mosque in Nakawa following prayers to mark the end of Sheikh Waiswa's 20-year tenure as the University Imam. The event was officiated by the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Hajjat Lukia Nakadama.
In his address, the Mufti reflected on a friendship spanning more than 45 years with Sheikh Waiswa, recalling that they first met in 1976 at Bugembe Islamic Institute, where Sheikh Waiswa was undertaking his teaching internship while studying at the Islamic University of Madinah.
The Mufti explained that when MUBS established the office of the University Imam around 2005 to cater for the spiritual needs of Muslim students, the institution requested his office to recommend a suitable cleric.
"When I looked around, the only person who truly qualified for that post was Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa," the Mufti said, drawing applause from the congregation.
He commended former MUBS Principal Prof. Dr. Juma Wasswa Balunywa for reorganising the Muslim community at the institution, a move that paved the way for the establishment of the office of the University Imam.
The Mufti said Sheikh Waiswa's impact was visible both spiritually and physically, citing the construction of the MUBS Mosque and a multi-storeyed multipurpose Muslim Centre under his leadership.
"The legacy of Sheikh Waiswa is evident in the way he transformed the Muslim community at MUBS, both physically and spiritually. He successfully mobilised the community to construct a mosque and a multi-storeyed multipurpose Muslim Centre. I therefore implore the Muslims of MUBS to safeguard this legacy and take it even further by building on what he has accomplished," Sheikh Mubaje said.
The Mufti also updated the congregation on current affairs within the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) before revealing that leaders of Uganda's mainstream religious faiths had recently met President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to discuss national concerns, including alleged abductions by unidentified security personnel, torture, corruption, the forceful eviction of vendors and the detention of politicians without trial.
"The President has agreed to address the nation, during which he will respond to these concerns. Therefore, we urge you to spare some time and listen to his address," he said.
MUBS Principal Prof. Moses Muhwezi applauded Sheikh Waiswa for his outstanding contribution to the institution, describing him as a leader whose role extended beyond providing spiritual guidance.
"Sheikh Waiswa started well and has ended well," Prof. Muhwezi said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Afifa Muhammad described Sheikh Waiswa as a loving, caring and devoted father, thanking him for his guidance, mentorship and dedicated service to both his family and the wider Muslim community.
In his farewell speech, Sheikh Waiswa thanked Almighty Allah for granting him the opportunity and strength to serve the MUBS Muslim community over the past 20 years. He also expressed gratitude to the Mufti of Uganda, the MUBS administration and the entire university community for the support they extended to him throughout his tenure.
Delivering the keynote address, Hajjat Lukia Nakadama paid tribute to Sheikh Waiswa's distinguished service, describing him as a dedicated Muslim cleric whose leadership and commitment transformed many lives.
The ceremony concluded with special prayers and the presentation of gifts in recognition of Sheikh Waiswa's two decades of dedicated service to the MUBS Muslim community.