His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has officially opened a newly constructed mosque in Mwanyanjiri village, Lwankoba Parish, Nakisunga Sub-county, Mukono District.
The mosque, which was financed by Hafidhi Awadi Khalafi, an Iraqi national, through the efforts of Sheikh Ali Juma Shiuyo, the UMSC Secretary for Haj and Umrah, stands as a new beacon for the local Muslim community.
During the launch on Friday, Mufti Mubaje expressed his gratitude to Allah and acknowledged the generosity of the donors who funded the mosque. “We are here because of the fact that some people think about the hereafter,” he said, commending the funders for their commitment to Islamic development and applauding Sheikh Ali Shiuyo for facilitating the project.
The Mufti emphasized the importance of unity among Muslims and encouraged leaders across the country to ensure that all Muslim properties are officially registered to prevent future conflicts.
“UMSC is your supreme body that can be trusted; it is not an individual,” he reiterated, calling on Kadhis to take responsibility for the protection and registration of community assets under the UMSC.
Sheikh Abasi Ssekuuba, the Kadhi of Mukono District, highlighted the progress made under his leadership, noting that initial chaos in the district has been resolved through patience and cooperation. He reported success in reclaiming several land titles that had previously been taken by individuals, with plans to recover three more. “We are now united and focusing on development,” he said, indicating a positive shift towards community cohesion.
However, Sheikh Ssekuuba also pointed out the ongoing issue of UMSC land in Nakifuma that is under threat from a rival faction, a matter that remains unresolved.
Hadji Abasi Muluubya Sekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, addressed concerns about the management of the Council, assuring the community that operations are stable. “Don’t have any doubt about the administration of UMSC. Ignore whatever noise or rumor you might hear,” he said, calling on Muslims to support the council’s efforts to protect communal assets.
He emphasized the importance of registering donated properties under UMSC, citing challenges that arise when properties are reclaimed by individuals after being used for community purposes. “When you register your properties in the name of the council, they will be protected,” he assured, adding that the ongoing dispute in Nakifuma is being handled administratively.
Haji Dr. Muhammad Nsubuga, who donated the land for the mosque, shared his story of how the project came to fruition. Recalling his prayers at the Kaaba, he expressed his gratitude for seeing his dream realized, stating, “Initially, my intention was to give a plot of 50 by 50 ft, but I increased the land to 100 by 100 ft.”
The mosque construction was funded following discussions with Sheikh Ali Shiuyo, who informed him of interested donors during their pilgrimage to Makkah earlier this year.
The launch event was attended by several notable figures, including Haji Ali Aluma, the Deputy Secretary General for Finance and Administration, Sheikh Imran Ssali, the Secretary for Religious Affairs, and Sheikh Murshid Luwemba, the Secretary for Dawah. Other dignitaries present were Mukono’s representative to the UMSC General Assembly, Ali Asuman Muwumuza Lubowa, among others.
