KAJJANSI– His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has urged Muslims to intensify efforts in acquiring both religious and secular knowledge. This message formed a central theme in his remarks delivered at two Thanksgiving events he presided over on Friday, July 18, 2025.
First, the Mufti joined the family of the late Haj Ibrahim Mpira, a long-serving staff member of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) who was acting Kadhi of Lango Muslim District at the time of his passing. The Mpira family was celebrating the academic achievement of their daughter, Ms. Nasra binti Ibrahim, who recently graduated from the Islamic Call University College, an institution under UMSC, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution. The celebration took place at the family’s residence in Kajjansi, Kigagga Zone, off the Kampala-Entebbe Highway.
Quoting a verse from the Holy Qur’an, the Mufti reminded the guests that whenever a believer performs a good deed, it draws divine blessings from Almighty Allah—blessings that may flow back to the person or their descendants. “It will never be lost,” he said.
“I found the late Haj Ibrahim Mpira already serving at UMSC when I joined. So, when Ms. Nasra approached me for financial support to pursue university education, I did not hesitate. I am glad it has borne fruit, and today we give thanks to Almighty God,” the Mufti said. He further encouraged Nasra and other recent graduates to continue upgrading their education to keep pace with contemporary global trends.
Earlier, Sheikh Abubakar Mpira, one of the heirs of the late Haj Ibrahim Mpira, expressed the family’s gratitude to the Mufti for remembering their father’s legacy and his contributions to UMSC. “We humbly request that you keep your doors open to us whenever we come knocking,” he said.
From Kajjansi, the Mufti and his entourage proceeded to Kakiri in Wakiso District to the home of Sheikh Badru Ssebale, who had organized a similar Thanksgiving event. This celebration honored his son, the youthful Sheikh Twalha Badru Ogola Ssebale Jr., who recently attained Thanawi (Advanced Level) certification in Islamic theological studies from Bilal Islamic Institute.
In a heartfelt speech, the Mufti commended the family for prioritizing their son’s Islamic education. He reminded the congregation that, according to Islamic teachings, a Muslim child is entitled to three rights from their parents: a good and meaningful name, education in the Holy Qur’an, and support in finding a righteous spouse when they grow up.
Turning to Sheikh Twalha and his fellow graduates, the Mufti reminded them that **Thanawi** is just the beginning of a long journey in Islamic scholarship. “Go out and put into practice what you’ve learned, but never issue religious verdicts beyond your level of knowledge,” he advised. He also reiterated UMSC’s goal to enhance the training and certification of Muslim clerics through recognized Islamic institutions
The Mufti concluded by calling on all Ugandans to maintain peace during the forthcoming national elections.
The events were attended by UMSC departmental heads including Sheikh Imran Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs; Sheikh Ali Juma Shiwuyo, Secretary for Hajj and Umrah; and Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda Busungu, the Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti, among others.
