His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has commissioned a newly constructed mosque and presided over the first Haflah—the pass-out ceremony of 86 students who successfully completed primary level and Idaadi (O-Level) Islamic theological studies.
The programme is offered under a dual curriculum by ABUSHA Junior Schools and Bombo Muslim Secondary School, founded by Rt. Major Haji Abubakar Kalume, on over 20 acres of land in Bajjo, along Kalangala Road in Bombo Town Council, Luwero District.
The colourful function was held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the expansive education centre, which comprises nursery, primary, and secondary sections.
On arrival, the Mufti and his entourage received a warm welcome from smartly dressed learners and their teachers from the nursery, primary, and secondary sections, who lined up along the main road leading to the schools. He was later taken on a guided tour of the entire educational complex by the host before the commencement of the main celebrations, which were attended by several dignitaries.
Those present included Hon. Counsel Haji Muhammad Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration; Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, Education Secretary; Sheikh Imran Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs; Sheikh Mustafa Khamis Lule, Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of East Buganda (Luwero); Sheikh Uthuman Shaban Ngoobi, Country Director of Al-Bayan Charitable Foundation; Hon. Sheikh Bruhan Byekwaso, General Assembly representative for Luuka Muslim District; donor Sadiq Muharwe, Regional Secretary Sheikh Ramadhan Twaha Mulindwa, the host Kadhi of Luwero; Mr. Nsereko Arafat, the new Mayor of Bombo Town Council; as well as Kadhis from neighbouring Muslim districts, county sheikhs, imams, among others.
Guests were entertained with melodious recitations of the Holy Qur’an, chanted poems, and praise songs in honour of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
They also listened to remarks and speeches from various leaders. The host, Haji Abubakar Kalume, expressed profound gratitude to the Mufti for honouring their invitation, recalling his earlier visit ten years ago when he officially opened the school, then at nursery and primary levels.
“I am here to report to you, Your Eminence, that the prayers you supplicated for us ten years ago were answered by Almighty Allah and He blessed us. We are so grateful that we have managed to make tremendous strides by establishing a secondary section, fully initiating the inclusion of Islamic theological studies to enable our learners acquire both secular and theological education. Today we are proud to pass out the first batch of 86 learners who successfully completed primary and O-Level Islamic theology. One of them is Hon. Habib Mustafa, the UMSC National Chairperson of the Muslim Youth Council, who decided to return to pursue Islamic studies after completing university education. The school also offers agriculture, livestock, and animal husbandry practices,” he said.
He further revealed plans to establish a full university in the future, noting that they still have sufficient land within the area.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Ramadhan Twaha Mulindwa Nsanja, the Kadhi of Luwero, informed the Mufti that Muslims in the district are generally united and actively implementing religious activities, despite challenges of limited funding. He also raised concerns about misunderstandings and lack of cooperation from some non-profit charities, particularly those involved in animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha.
“We always face hostilities and arrogance from these individuals whenever we request them to network with us. We therefore call for mutual understanding and respect for proper coordination of activities,” he remarked.
Sheikh Mustafa Khamis Lule also presented the state of affairs in the East Buganda Muslim region.
Sheikh Uthuman Shaban Ngoobi and Sheikh Bruhan Byekwaso, representing donors, commended the host for his trustworthiness and continued cooperation. They also appreciated government support and international sponsors for facilitating the completion of major projects, including the newly constructed mosque.
“We thank Allah, the Government of Uganda, UMSC and sponsors from abroad for enabling us to construct these magnificent projects, including the new large mosque to be commissioned shortly,” they stated.
In his address, the Mufti expressed gratitude to the host as the vision bearer, and to sponsors for initiating transformative development programmes that have turned Bombo into an educational hub. He also acknowledged Ugandan partners who mobilised funds for development, particularly Al-Bayan Charitable Organization, Ibn Baaz Foundation, and Good Hope Foundation, all based in Busoga.
He commended the school administration for maintaining high standards of management and thanked parents for their support. Addressing learners, he urged them to remain respectful to both parents and teachers in order to succeed in their academic journey.
Finally, the Mufti responded to a written appeal by Sheikh Tandiya, the Bombo County Sheikh, regarding Bombo’s recent listing among newly created Muslim districts by UMSC structures. He explained that due to logistical constraints, implementation of the new districts would be done in phases.
In conclusion, he urged all Ugandans to adhere to Ministry of Health guidelines in order to curb the Ebola epidemic that has claimed lives in the country. Before, departure the Mufti conducted a brief reversion exercise of two women to Islam. He gave a Muslim name of Hadija to one while her sister chose herself a new name Allah.
