Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, urged mosque leaders to foster unity and economic empowerment among Muslim communities ahead of the nation’s upcoming elections. Speaking at the 2nd Annual Eastern Regional Imams’ Retreat in Mbale City, he warned that poverty and internal divisions make religious leaders vulnerable to manipulation.
More than 3,000 imams from 11 Muslim districts in Eastern Uganda attended the three‑day retreat, which focused on modern communication, leadership and economic development. Organized by the Office of the Eastern Muslim Regional Assistant to the Mufti, the event aimed to equip imams with the skills needed to guide their congregations effectively.
The Mufti stressed the importance of Muslim unity, recalling past sectarian disputes that stemmed from minor theological differences. He called for sustained dialogue and structured seminars to promote shared values and understanding, especially between elders and youth. He also urged imams to adopt self‑sustaining economic initiatives, warning that financial vulnerability can lead to exploitation.
To advance financial inclusion, the Mufti launched five new Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) for several districts in Eastern Uganda and encouraged imams to register for an ongoing SACCO initiative awaiting presidential support. This call for economic empowerment is significant given the high levels of poverty in some Ugandan Muslim communities.
Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wadenga, convenor of the retreat, noted that the program sought to deepen Islamic values while operationalizing the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’s amended constitution, which includes provisions for women and youth in leadership. He urged imams to collaborate closely with these groups to tap into government poverty‑alleviation programs.
As Uganda prepares for national elections, Mufti Mubaje appealed for discipline and restraint, urging imams to guide their followers toward peaceful participation and national stability. His message—emphasizing unity, economic empowerment and peaceful coexistence—aims to promote social cohesion, prevent conflict during the election period, and support stability and development in Uganda.
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