Entebbe– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed special gratitude to the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, for his tireless efforts in rallying Ugandan Muslims towards unity. The President made the remarks on Saturday, September 26, 2025, during a thanksgiving function at State House to welcome back 100 Ugandan Muslim pilgrims whom he personally sponsored to perform the Hajj to the Holy Sanctuaries of Makkah and Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In his brief address, President Museveni commended the Mufti for fostering unity and urged Muslims to actively participate in government’s poverty alleviation programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM). He also pledged to hold further discussions with the Mufti on issues affecting Muslims in Uganda.
The function followed earlier speeches delivered by key figures, including Mufti Mubaje, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga (Presidential Advisor), Sheikh Said Kasawuli, Sheikh Abdu Malik Kayole (District Kadhi of Rukungiri), among others.
In his remarks, Mufti Mubaje paid tribute to the President for ushering in political stability and development during his 40 years in leadership.
“Your Excellency, Ugandans who lived prior to your government can truly testify how far you have brought this nation. Your tireless efforts have not been in vain. Thank you for bringing us together without discrimination,” Mufti Mubaje said.
He further thanked the President for his continuous support to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), which has enabled the body to coordinate religious activities nationwide. He also briefed the gathering on UMSC’s ongoing and upcoming developmental programs.
Mr. Byaruhanga revealed that the sponsorship of the pilgrims was in response to a request by Sheikh Kasawuli’s Association of Imams, and coordinated with the Mufti’s office to ensure 100 Muslims were successfully selected.
On his part, Sheikh Kasawuli thanked the President for fulfilling his pledge and appealed for the number of sponsored pilgrims to be increased to 150. President Museveni responded that the request would be considered, provided a proper selection mechanism is put in place.
“I will have time in the near future and invite the Mufti so that we can discuss all the issues concerning Muslims,” Museveni assured, as he bid farewell to the cheering pilgrims.
The event was attended by top UMSC officials, including Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa (Deputy Mufti), Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya(2nd Deputy Mufti), Hon. Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi (Secretary General), Counsel Haji Muhammad Ali Aluma (Deputy Secretary General, Administration & Finance), Regional Assistants to the Mufti, District Kadhis, members of the General Assembly, the Executive Committee, and other prominent Sheikhs.
