Education Key to Unity and Progress in Muslim Community – Mufti Mubaje
By Kyeyune Ali
The Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has reaffirmed the central role of education in fostering harmony, unity and sustainable development within the Muslim community, calling on clerics and faithful alike to actively pursue knowledge.
Speaking at a thanksgiving ceremony for Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda Busungu, the Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti, who recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in Sharia from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Mufti Mubaje said ignorance remains one of the biggest obstacles to progress among Muslims. The ceremony was held at Basmat Arena in Kawempe Mbogo on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
Anchoring his message on the Holy Qur’an, Chapter Mujadila Verse 11, Mufti Mubaje emphasized that Allah elevates people according to knowledge and merit. He urged Muslims to appreciate and respect leadership founded on learning, cautioning against resentment toward those entrusted with responsibility because of their academic or religious standing.
“Never feel offended when asked to give way to a learned person. Allah Himself ordained that those endowed with knowledge are raised to higher ranks,” he said, noting that education nurtures discipline, wisdom and responsible leadership.
The Mufti expressed satisfaction that his long-standing call for Muslims to embrace formal education is gradually bearing fruit, citing Sheikh Sserwadda’s achievement as a powerful example. He applauded staff of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) who have returned to school to enhance their capacity, regardless of age.
According to Mufti Mubaje, many historical challenges that plagued UMSC, including internal wrangles and leadership disputes, were largely fueled by ignorance and selfish interests. He observed that the council’s renewed stability is a result of placing qualified and well-trained individuals in appropriate positions.
Reflecting on his own journey, Mufti Mubaje recalled studying in Saudi Arabia four decades ago while simultaneously teaching, serving as a mosque imam and establishing a learning institute. He said patience, education and strategic silence have been instrumental in restoring calm and credibility within the Muslim community.
He called upon Muslim leaders across the country to emulate graduates and prioritize education as a tool for unity and development.
Earlier, the Second Deputy Mufti, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, and the UMSC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, praised the Mufti for his mentorship and unwavering commitment to empowering Muslim scholars.
The main celebrant, Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda Busungu, together with his family, including his two wives, children, mother Hajjat Hajara Nakiganda and uncle Haj Siraje Kayondo, expressed gratitude for the support that enabled his academic success.
The event drew senior UMSC officials, members of the National Management Committee and General Assembly, former Secretary General Dr. Haj Edris Sserugo Kasenene, prominent sheikhs, educationists, community leaders and other distinguished guests, underscoring the growing appreciation of education as a pillar for harmony within Uganda’s Muslim community.