His Eminence Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has emphasised that good parenting plays a critical role in shaping a child’s personality and future, noting that strong family foundations produce responsible citizens who positively contribute to the nation.
The Mufti made the remarks on Thursday, February 26, 2026, while addressing guests at an Iftar dinner hosted by Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, Secretary General of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), at his family residence in Luttete Village near Gayaza Road in Wakiso District.
“Whenever you see someone with immoral character, it is obvious that he or she was poorly brought up from home,” the Mufti said.
He made the observation while praising Hajji Muluubya for his integrity, humility, and commendable personality, which he attributed to a strong parental foundation. The Mufti revealed that he had only recently learned that Muluubya’s father, Haj Ibrahim Ssekyanzi, was still alive and requested to meet him.
“I am delighted to see him and grateful for raising responsible children,” he remarked.
The Mufti further disclosed that he was initially hesitant when Hajji Muluubya applied for the pivotal position of UMSC Secretary General due to past experiences. However, he later became convinced that Muluubya was the most suitable candidate among the applicants.
“Indeed, Muluubya has proved his worth. He is straightforward and hardworking ever since we started working together,” he noted.
He also urged Muslim parents to consistently pray for their children, emphasising that Allah listens to sincere supplications intended to bless offspring. At the same time, he called upon children to take good care of their parents while they are still alive and to continue praying for them after their passing.
Citing his elderly mother as an example, the Mufti said her constant prayers have strengthened him in executing his duties.
Additionally, he cautioned Muslims against blindly imitating events in some Arab countries experiencing prolonged conflicts that have led to loss of life and suffering among innocent people. He noted that such conflicts are often wrongly attributed to Islam, yet are largely driven by material interests and greed for wealth.
He urged believers to remain steadfast in true Islamic teachings as contained in the Holy Qur’an and guided by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Mufti also thanked Ugandans for heeding the call of religious leaders under the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) to maintain peace before and after the recent general elections. He encouraged citizens to now focus on productive work for the betterment of themselves, their families, and the nation.
Earlier, Sheikh Abdu-Karim Abdallah Katamba, Director of Halal and Regional Assistant to the Mufti for Ankole-Kigezi, delivered a sermon highlighting the importance of God-consciousness and praying for departed loved ones.
“You will be remembered long after you depart this world because of the good deeds you performed during your lifetime,” he preached.
In his remarks, Hajji Muluubya, flanked by close family members, thanked the Mufti for honouring the invitation and shared a brief account of his life journey. He recalled how his parents, including his late mother Hajjat Fatinah Ssekyanzi, nurtured them through hardships, including periods when their father fled the country due to politically motivated persecution during past regimes.
Meanwhile, His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti, urged Muslims to live righteously and uphold moral values.
Among those in attendance were UMSC National Management members, Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda Busungu, Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti, Prof. Dr. Badru Kiggundu, former Chairperson of the Uganda Electoral Commission, District Kadhis, heads of UMSC organs, government and private sector officials, Egyptian Muslim clerics, and other invited guests.
