Old KAMPALA– His Eminence, Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, on Tuesday evening, October 7, 2025, hosted a team of Saudi eye medical specialists at his office at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Headquarters in Old Kampala.
The specialists had come to offer free health services during a one-week Free Eye Medical Camp held at the UMSC-based Old Kampala Hospital, which benefited over 5,000 people.
The camp was coordinated by Dr. Omar El-Gaz, the Regional Director of Munazzamat Al-Da’wah Al-Islamiyya (Uganda Office), in collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and Al-Basar International Foundation, both established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In attendance were the Old Kampala Hospital staff led by Hon. Sophie Safina Kenyangi, the Hospital Director and National Chairperson of the Muslim Women Council, along with Dr. Faisal Kazibwe, the Hospital Superintendent.
In her two-page report, Hon. Kenyangi outlined the range of free medical services provided during the camp. These included medical screening for over 4,000 patients, 400 cataract and minor eye surgeries, 1,000 free prescription eyeglasses, and 1,235 cases of refractive errors that were corrected with lenses. She also noted the hospital’s efforts in eye health promotion and community mobilization.
On behalf of Old Kampala Hospital, Hon. Kenyangi expressed heartfelt appreciation to the donors for the well-conducted exercise and extended gratitude to development partners such as the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs, the National Drug Authority (NDA), and the media for their support.
In his remarks, Dr. Omar El-Gaz recalled the long-standing cooperation between Munazzamat Al-Da’wah Al-Islamiyya and the UMSC since 1986.
“It was one of the reasons we chose to work with Old Kampala Hospital, which is your medical wing,” he said, pledging to further strengthen this partnership in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Hajji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, hailed the eye camp as timely and in line with the Council’s ten-year strategic plan for community health management. He commended the donors’ continued philanthropic efforts that have benefited underprivileged communities.
In his concluding remarks, Mufti Mubaje reflected on the history of the UMSC since its inception in 1972 and highlighted its excellent working relationship with the Government of Uganda under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“I sincerely thank you for your generous donation,” the Mufti said. “In the same spirit, I kindly request that you consider leaving behind the equipment and medical tools used during the camp to help our hospital establish a permanent eye treatment unit,” he added, drawing laughter from the guests.
He also noted challenges faced by the hospital, including inadequate medical personnel and essential equipment.
The event concluded with the Mufti handing over certificates of appreciation from Old Kampala Hospital to the donors.
Also present was Sheikh Jamir Kassim Ntambi, the Kadhi of Lubaga Muslim District.
