During his keynote address, Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, Mufti of Uganda, emphasized the significance of gratitude towards Allah’s blessings and highlighted the historical journey of Islam in Uganda. He noted that while Islam has been present since the 1880s, it was not until the intervention of President Idi Amin in the 1970s that Muslims began to unite under one umbrella.
Mufti Mubaje expressed appreciation for President Museveni’s role in supporting the Muslim community. He recounted how Museveni facilitated communication with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to secure funding for mosque construction. “The structure we see today is a result of efforts by three people: Idi Amin, Gaddafi, and Museveni,” he stated.
The Mufti also addressed the current state of unity among Muslims in Uganda, noting that most are aligned with UMSC. He emphasized that under Museveni’s leadership, Muslims have become self-sufficient and capable of managing their affairs without external assistance.
The jubilee celebration included remarks from various leaders who echoed themes of unity and progress. Rukia Nakadama praised UMSC’s contributions while expressing gratitude for government support in fostering cohesion within the Muslim community.
As UMSC celebrates this milestone, it looks forward to continuing its mission of promoting peace, education, and development among Muslims in Uganda.