His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, received a rousing welcome from a large crowd of Muslim faithful, including learners from various educational institutions in Mbale City, Bugisu Muslim District, and the Eastern Muslim Region, in his ancestral home area on Friday, June 5, 2026.
The Mufti, who was accompanied by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Harunah Bukenya, Second Deputy Mufti; Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, UMSC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration; Prof. Dr. Ziyadi Swaleh Lubanga, Director of Sharia; H.E. Sheikh Twaha Uthuman Kajaaya, the Mufti’s Special Envoy to the Republic of South Sudan; and Mr. Abdu Sinan Nsenye, UMSC Internal Auditor, among others, had been invited to preside over Friday congregational prayers at the Nakaloke Central Mosque, a large multi-storeyed mosque still under construction in the Northern Division of Mbale City.
Upon arrival in Mbale City, the Mufti’s entourage was received at the Bugisu Muslim District offices by Muslim leaders led by Dr. Sheikh Ahamad Hamid Wandenga, the Eastern Muslim Regional Assistant to the Mufti, together with Sheikh Isah Ahmad Masaba, the Host Kadhi. Following a brief interaction, the convoy proceeded to the mosque venue, where it was welcomed by the organising team led by Sheikh Salman Farsi Balamazi, the mosque Imam.
The faithful from all walks of life turned up in large numbers for the prayers. Among those present were Kadhis from neighbouring Muslim districts, including Sironko, Bududa, Pallisa, Butaleja and Kibuku; local government leaders; security officials; Hon. Umar Nangoli and Hon. Shafikah Wanyenya, both newly elected Members of Parliament; Haj Abdu-Karim Kalisa, Executive Director of Salam TV; heads of educational institutions; and other distinguished guests.
In his remarks, Mufti Mubaje expressed gratitude for the warm and enthusiastic welcome accorded to him. He based his message on the Holy Qur’anic verse in Chapter 3:92, where Allah says:
“By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you spend from that which you love. And whatever you spend, indeed Allah knows it well.” He also cited the saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that whoever builds a mosque, Allah will build for him or her a house in Paradise.
Sheikh Mubaje commended Muslims for their financial support towards the mosque project, describing it as a positive step towards breaking the mindset that only Muslims from abroad, especially from the Arab world, should fund projects that promote Islamic activities.
“We implore all Muslims to contribute funds, however small the amount may be. Allah will bless you. Do not wait for others to do it for you,” he preached.
The Mufti particularly singled out Haj Abdu-Karim Kalisa and other mobilizers for their outstanding efforts in raising funds from the Muslim community and national leaders. He noted that the contributions had enabled the project to reach approximately 40 per cent completion and urged them to intensify their efforts to ensure the remaining work is completed.
The Mufti also introduced congregants to the newly designed UMSC Digital 360 Management System, which is intended to facilitate the efficient remittance of funds towards planned activities and projects.
He later mobilised the faithful to make cash donations, to which they responded positively. The Mufti personally donated 100 bags of cement and pledged, on behalf of UMSC, to provide iron bars for the project in the near future.
Earlier, several dignitaries addressed the congregation and expressed their support for the project. These included Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Harunah Bukenya, Hon. Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, Dr. Sheikh Ahamad Hamid Wandenga, and other local leaders.
On behalf of the organising team, Haj Abdu-Karim Kalisa, the chief mobilizer, presented a detailed report on the ongoing construction works. He noted that the project is estimated to cost UGX 3.5 billion and that UGX 1.2 billion has so far been raised. He added that cash contributions and pledges made during the event amounted to UGX 53 million.
