President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the cooperation between the ruling National Resistance Movement-NRM Government and Uganda Muslim Supreme Council-UMSC. This was part of the President’s written speech delivered by Hajjati Minsa Kabanda, the Minister in charge of Kampala Metropolitan Area at a colorful function held on Oct 1, 2022, commemorating the arrival of Islam in Yumbe District a predominantly Muslim area and the entire West Nile region held at the site where the first mosque was erected.
In the speech, Museveni urged Muslims and all the people of the West Nile region to embrace all government poverty alleviation programs such as the Parish Development model to boost their household incomes and launched a fundraising drive for the construction of a mega Islamic Centre by donating 30M Shillings. The proposed center that will seat on 27 acres of land in Aleringa village, Kuru Sub-county in Yumbe District will host a Mosque, an Islamic theological seminary, health center, vocational training institute and Primary School.
Speaking at the same function, His Eminence Sheikh Abdallah Ibrahim Ssemambo Tamusuza, the Deputy Mufti who represented His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda paid tribute to the forebearers of Islam in the region and prayed to Almighty Allah to bless their souls and grant them Janah- paradise. Sheikh Ssemambo praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his government for the prevailing environment that has enabled Muslims to enjoy the freedom of worship.
In a special way Sheikh Ssemambo thanked the Government of the Turkiye Republic and all Turkiye-based Organizations that have rolled out social transformation programs such as the construction of schools, and mosques and fixing boreholes in the entire West Nile region. Sheikh Ssemambo also reminded Muslims in the West Nile region to remain united and never listen to divisive elements from other areas bound to cause discord among Muslims to further their selfish schemes. “UMSC is the brainchild of your son the late President Idi Amin. Why should you listen to a few misguided people who want you divided?” Deputy Mufti queried
His Excellency Fikret Karem Alp, the Turkiye Ambassador in Uganda, praised the generous hearts of the people of Yumbe, which hosts thousands of refugees. “This is one of the many things we share in common,” he said. Hon. Oleru Hudah, the State Minister for Defense in charge of Veteran affairs who also hails from the area, urged the celebrants to remain focused on unity and rally behind the Government.
Hon. Naima Avako Merisa Gule, the Yumbe Woman MP and one of the organizers of the event called upon all people of goodwill to give them support to realize their vision of constructing a mega project that will cement the Islamic faith for the future generations in honor of their forefathers. Other guests speakers included Hon. Ezama Siraj Aringa County in Yumbe, Hon. Diwaru Jennifer from Maracha, Hon. Zumura Maneno from Obongi District, Hon. Geoffrey Feta Ayivu East in Arua city, Hon. James Mamawi, Adjumani East County, Hon. Abdunur Mutumba from Kiboga West and Imam of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abdul Byakatonda, the Workers Representative.
The others included the host Kadhi Sheikh swaib Al Hayy, LC 5 Chairperson Asiku Abdu Talib, and Prof. Yasin Olum who represented Prof. Ismail Gyagenda, the Rector Islamic University in Uganda–IUIU
In attendance were, UMSC Members of Management led by Haj Wahab Rugasa, the Administrative Secretary, the Nubian Cultural leader, County Sheikhs, Imams, and lower Local Gov’t leaders among others.
