Old Kampala -Hon. Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, hosted a delegation from the Network for Religious & Traditional Peace Makers on behalf of His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda. The delegation, led by Mr. Ndugwa Hassan, visited the UMSC Headquarters on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
According to Mr. Ndugwa, the delegation comprised nationals from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda. They had spent three days in a regional meeting focusing on the theme Islam, Freedom of Religion & Belief at Hotel Africana in the heart of Kampala. On their final day, they wished to pay a courtesy call to the Mufti and acquaint themselves with UMSC activities, particularly those related to peacebuilding.
In response, Haji Muluubya, along with other UMSC departmental heads, shared key insights about UMSC’s history, structure, and activities. Among them were Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, the Education Secretary, and Sheikh Abdu-Karim Abdallah Katamba, Director of Halal and Assistant to the Mufti in charge of the Ankole-Kigezi Muslim region. They provided an overview of the council’s mandate and its Islamic initiatives since its inception in 1972.
Additionally, Haji Muluubya highlighted Mufti Mubaje’s significant role in peacebuilding efforts in Uganda, Africa, and beyond. He noted that the Mufti, alongside leaders of other faith groups, co-founded the Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU), the African Council for Religion and Peace headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and serves as an Executive Member of the World Religions for Peace International, based in New York, USA. These positions have enabled Mufti Mubaje to travel extensively, meeting Kings, Presidents, and even the reigning Pope, His Holiness Francis, In Rome, in a bid to promote peace among diverse communities globally.
Before their departure, the delegation enjoyed a guided tour of the National Mosque, including an ascent to the mosque’s minaret, where they had a 360-degree aerial view of central Kampala.
Among the prominent members of the delegation were popular social media Islamic preachers, including Sheikh Hussein Ali Bulafu, Sheikh Juma Waiswa Kinyiri, and Dr. Ashiraf Mutagubya.
