His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda has today,Tuesday hosted Rev. Canon Associate Prof. Dr. Grace Lubaale, the newly elected fourth Bishop of Busoga Diocese, at his office at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Headquarters in Old Kampala.
Rev. Dr. Lubaale informed the Mufti that his visit was a courtesy call to formally acquaint him with his recent election to the high diocesan office and to brief him on the preparations for his forthcoming consecration scheduled for December. He will succeed Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Samson Naimanhye, who is retiring after successfully completing his pastoral service among Christians in the Busoga region.
The Mufti and his guest later joined members of the National Management Committee and departmental heads in the UMSC Boardroom. Present were Their Eminences Sheikh Muhammad Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti; Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti; Hon. Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, Secretary General; and Hon. Abdu-Razaq Arinda, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Development, among others.
On behalf of the UMSC, the Mufti warmly welcomed the top Christian cleric to the headquarters and expressed his profound delight at the visit. He briefed the Bishop-elect on the background, structure, and operations of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council since its establishment in 1972.
Mubajje also highlighted the cooperation among mainstream faith groups under the Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU), which promotes unity and collaboration for the common good of communities across the country.
“We congratulate you upon your recent appointment to this high office,” the Mufti said. “We don’t intend to scare you, but it is a very challenging responsibility. It calls for patience, deep listening, and hard work as you execute your duties among the faithful.”
Drawing on scripture, the Mufti likened the position of a religious leader to that of a shepherd caring for his flock. “A shepherd ensures the animals are well looked after and brings back those that have gone astray. It is well known from the Holy Scriptures that many of the great prophets first served as shepherds before being commissioned to do God’s work,” he reflected.
The Mufti concluded by assuring the Bishop-elect of the continued cooperation and goodwill of the Muslim leadership.
In his response, Rev. Dr. Lubaale expressed profound gratitude to the Mufti and the UMSC for the warm reception and extended an invitation to the UMSC leadership to attend his consecration ceremony in December.
Also in attendance was Sheikh Kassimu Kamugisha, a member of the UMSC Executive Committee and MAC representative.