The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shabban Ramadhan Mubajje, has urged government to expand employment opportunities for Muslim graduates, stressing the importance of “raising the national cake” to guarantee equitable access to jobs and economic prospects for them.
Sheikh Mubajje made the remarks during the 52nd anniversary of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) held at the Old Kampala Secondary School Playground on December 12, 2024, where he reflected on a broader commitment to inclusivity within Uganda’s socio-economic landscape.
The Mufti expressed gratitude towards President Yoweri Museveni for his significant contributions to Muslim development and unity and acknowledged the President’s role in securing the land title for the Gaddafi National Mosque, which serves as the headquarters for the UMSC.
“When I was appointed Mufti in 2002, I approached President Museveni to request assistance in completing the mosque’s construction. In response, President Museveni indicated that he would reach out to his friend, the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, to seek support,” Mubajje said.
“Following this, President Museveni sent a formal letter to Gaddafi, who subsequently agreed to fund the project and dispatched an engineer to oversee its construction,” he added.
Mubajje reaffirmed his commitment to the Muslim, saying that his promises made upon taking office have been done.
He emphasized the significant developments that have occurred, including the establishment of the UMSC headquarters, a Muslim university, a radio station, a television station, a hospital, and shops across the mosque, with other investments across the country, which he says promotes self-sustainability in the leadership structure of UMSC and the Muslims across the country, adding that the UMSC will no longer be in a position of begging for support but rather be focused on fostering development and improving the welfare of Muslims in Uganda.
Mufti Mubajje also announced the formation of an alliance known as the African Council of Religious Leaders (ACRL), which encompasses 35 African countries and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, which he heads as the chairperson with the Archbishop of Gambia serving as the vice chairperson.
He expressed his gratitude to the Vice President, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who represented the president and other muftis from various countries for attending the function, including those from Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and Nigeria, among others.
He welcomed them to Uganda, highlighting it as a nation characterized by sustainable peace, adding that the council also aims to foster interfaith dialogue and cooperation among religious leaders across Africa, focusing on promoting peace and addressing common challenges faced by their communities.
