His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has implored Muslim faithful to be grateful to Almighty Allah for blessing them with the gift of children.
The message was delivered on his behalf by Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, during a well-attended thanksgiving event organised by Haj Mutahi Haka, a wealthy businessman and Executive Director of Haka Rice Company, based in Jinja City, Busoga sub-region.
The function was held at the family mansion in Walukuba East, on the outskirts of Jinja City, on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Dr. Sheikh Bukenya echoed similar messages earlier delivered by Sheikh Faisal Hassan Naminya, a member of the Shuura Council and the preacher of the day. Sheikh Naminya reminded believers to uphold the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), particularly the observance of Akiika—a thanksgiving ceremony for being blessed with children. “Indeed, expressing such gratitude by offering a goat and then invoking God to bless and protect your offspring against all satanic influence, truly they will prosper in adult life and in the hereafter. Such children will be permitted by Allah to intercede for their parents to enter Paradise,” Sheikh Naminya preached.
He also admonished Muslim parents, especially women, against holding baby shower events where expectant mothers gather with friends to celebrate and expose their protruding bellies in anticipation of childbirth, noting that such practices are un-Islamic. Instead, he urged believers to organise Akiika as a way of showing gratitude to Allah for becoming parents.
Sheikh Naminya further reminded fellow clerics to practise what they preach by holding Akiika ceremonies for their own children.
Sheikh Bukenya thanked Muslim clerics in the Busoga region for being well organised. He also commended the majority of Ugandans for heeding messages delivered by top religious leaders ahead of the recently concluded national elections, which emphasised maintaining peace before and after voting.
“We urge you to respect the outcome of the elections and follow the laws regarding the results, and return to your ordinary routines as life goes on,” he said.
He concluded by thanking the host family for organising the event and implored other believers to emulate them.
On his part, Haj Mutahi Haka explained that the essence of the function was to prepare his children to learn Islamic values, which he said he missed while studying in secular schools.
“I struggle to educate my children in Islamic schools and thank God they have managed to memorise the entire Holy Quran in the heart,” he testified shortly after his two daughters impressed the audience with melodious Qur’anic recitations.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Ismail Adi Basoga, the host Kadhi of Jinja Muslim District, hailed Haj Haka for his unwavering support towards Islamic activities in the district.
Haj Haka’s elderly father, Haj Musa Wandayo, a retired clinical officer, also spoke highly of his son for taking care of both him and his wife.
Those present included Sheikh Shaffie Edris Songolo, a UMSC Executive/MAC member, district kadhis, county sheikhs, imams, businessmen, among others.
