The Deputy Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, along with a delegation from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), attended a fundraising event for Hirai Mosque in Terego North Muslim County on Sunday, 28th September 2024. The visit came as a response to an invitation from the Muslim community of Arua Muslim District.
The delegation included UMSC General Secretary Alhajj Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya, UMSC Education Secretary Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, and UMSC Deputy Secretary General for Finance and Administration Alhajj Muhammad Ali Aluma. Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the West Nile Regional Assistant to the Mufti, Sheikh Mahad Raihan, and other local Muslim leaders.
During the fundraising event, Alhajj Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya announced that UMSC leadership would push the UMSC Electoral Commission to expedite the process of establishing a new Terego Muslim District, a step already in progress. He emphasized the historical importance of Hirai Mosque in shaping Islam in the West Nile region and shared plans for UMSC to sign an agreement with Egyptian investors to promote Islamic tourism, with Hirai Mosque and its scenic surroundings being key beneficiaries.
Muluubya also reminded the gathering that UMSC would celebrate its 52nd anniversary on December 12th, 2024, and encouraged Muslims in the West Nile region to attend the event in honor of UMSC’s founder, former Ugandan President Idi Amin Dada, who hailed from the region. He also informed the crowd about the upcoming launch of the UMSC National Women’s Council on October 8th, 2024, with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan expected to be the chief guest.
The Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, expressed concern about the dilapidated state of Hirai Mosque and criticized the Muslim community for neglecting the house of Allah in favor of worldly possessions, referencing Qur’an 9:18. He urged the faithful to contribute to the renovation of the mosque and praised the efforts of those involved in reviving the historic structure.
Obiga Mario Kania, the Member of Parliament for Terego, contributed 100 iron sheets worth 5 million UGX and an additional 1 million UGX in cash. He also pledged 500,000 UGX for a trophy to reward the highest contributors. MP Kania promised to continue supporting the mosque renovation based on the progress of the works.
The UMSC headquarters donated 150 bags of cement, valued at 5 million UGX, to further aid the restoration efforts. Deputy Mufti recommended that the old mosque structure be preserved alongside the new development for marketing purposes, and he applauded the unity and dedication shown by the Arua Muslim District in advancing these projects.
Despite heavy rainfall, the event attracted a significant turnout from the local community. After the fundraising, Sheikh Waiswa visited and offered prayers at the hilltop mosque, followed by a visit to the grave of the late Hajj Haruna Fadimula, a founding member of Hirai Mosque, where he prayed for the deceased’s soul to rest in eternal peace.
