MBARARA – His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has expressed his gratitude to Dr. Sahin Help, an international charity founded by a German philanthropist with Turkish ancestry, Dr. Sahin.
Dr. Sahin Help, in collaboration with the Ngali Development Foundation, another Turkish-based charity headed by Mr. Mahmud Guler, operating in Uganda, have played a significant role in constructing a fully-fledged orphanage with a learning center on Nyarubanga Hill in Mbarara City Northern division overlooking the city.
The facility includes administrative section, classrooms, dormitories, prayer rooms, and a dining hall, among other units. This multimillion-dollar project was inaugurated in a well-attended and colorful ceremony on Monday, October 9th, 2023. Similar orphanage have been constructed in Entebbe, and there are plans for another project in Arua Muslim District in the near future.
Mufti Mubaje’s special message of appreciation was delivered by Honorable Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, the Acting Secretary-General of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). He described the commissioning of the project as timely, coinciding with Uganda’s 61st Independence anniversary, where Ugandan Muslims can celebrate their achievement in acquiring education, which was denied to them for decades during the British colonial rule.
Counsel Aluma also extended his gratitude to the government, headed by President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for creating an enabling environment that facilitated the implementation of this project. He emphasized UMSC’s commitment to working closely with the government to ensure that madrassa schools are not influenced by ideologies that undermine national security and Islamic principles.
He encouraged Muslims in Mbarara District and the greater Ankole-Kigezi region to embrace the school as their own and support their children’s education at the center.
Before Counsel Aluma’s remarks, Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, the UMSC Secretary for Education, praised the project for addressing societal challenges such as illiteracy, poverty, and lack of skills. He urged other organizations to follow the example of Dr. Sahin Help in supporting the renovation of existing Muslim schools in poor condition.
Mr. Robert Kanussu, the Mbarara City Resident District Commissioner (RCC), representing the government, also commended the project as aligned with the National Strategic Plan. Dr. Sahin expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality he has received from Ugandan citizens and pledged to continue rolling out social transformation programs. The event was attended by UMSC heads of department, including Honorable Nasser Musa Odongkara, Secretary for Awqaf (Endowment); Sheikh Abdul Karim Abdallah Katamba, Director of Halaal/Acting Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of Ankole-Kigezi Muslim region; Mr. Shaban Magala, Transport Officer; Honorable Sophie Safina Kenyangi, National Chairperson of the Muslim Women Council; and District Kadhis from Arua, Isingiro, Kiruhura, and the host, Mbarara Muslim District, among other UMSC leaders.
Prior to the commissioning of the orphanage, the UMSC delegation led by Counsel Aluma paid a courtesy visit to Emirates Junior School, where they received a warm reception from the School Director Hajjat Kobutungi Zainabu and staff. Counsel Aluma commended the school for its noble services in enlightening the young generation.
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