OLD KAMPALA – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), comprising 57 countries including Uganda, will commemorate the Birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) annually, starting this Islamic year 1447 (corresponding to 2025).
This announcement was part of a moving speech delivered by His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti of Uganda, who represented the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr.Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, as Chief Guest at a colourful function held to mark the Prophet’s birth at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Sheikh Waiswa read to the attentive congregation a two-page communication issued by the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a few months ago. The communication reminded all member states of Resolution No. 15/51C passed during the 51st Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on June 21–22, 2025, under the theme “The OIC in a Transforming World.”
The resolution, passed to commemorate the 1500th Anniversary of the Birth of Prophet Muhammad, called upon member states to organize cultural, educational, and scholarly activities, launch media campaigns promoting an accurate understanding of Islam and the Sunnah, and organize charitable and humanitarian activities reflecting Prophetic teachings.
Sheikh Waiswa highlighted how the world today is engulfed by irreligious tendencies and widespread hostility against Islam, with some forces circulating blasphemous content against Allah and the Prophet Muhammad. “We need such gatherings where the true image of our Prophet can be shared with the wider public,” Sheikh Waiswa noted.
He urged Muslims to remain united and to support programmes that advance the noble causes of Islam. He also reminded District Kadhis to beware of unscrupulous individuals using the UMSC structure for selfish monetary gain. “Always consult the UMSC headquarters so that you don’t fall prey to such people in your respective areas,” he said.
Turning to national matters, Sheikh Waiswa cautioned Ugandans to maintain peace during the forthcoming national elections and warned against being divided by competing political ideologies. He advised aspiring candidates not to mortgage their property or take on huge debts for political contests. He concluded by urging Muslims to offer unwavering support for the UMSC’s 10-year Strategic Development Plan.
Earlier, UMSC Secretary General Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi presented a State of Affairs report, while KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifa Buzeki spoke about the Prophet’s divine legacy, including equality and compassion for the needy, and shared upcoming KCCA social events.
Several religious leaders also addressed the gathering. Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, UMSC Secretary for Education, said: “The name Muhammad means ‘praised one,’ so the celebrations of his birth are indeed worth marking.” Former Deputy Mufti Sheikh Khatwib Mukuluwakiika challenged critics of the commemoration, asking: “Did you expect the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday to pass unnoticed like any other day?” Sheikh Shaban Abujafar Karala, the Kadhi of Arua Muslim District represented fellow Kadhis encouraged the Muslim faithful to keep marking the prophet’s birth reasoning that it is a spiritual benefit upon them. Egyptian guests added to the atmosphere by reciting poems praising the Prophet.
The event was attended by UMSC executives, heads of department, H.E. Majid Saffar, the Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, Dr. Haj Edris Serugo Kasenene, and Dr. Haj Ramadhan Mugalu, both former UMSC Secretary Generals, among many others.
