KAMPALA. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appreciated the Muslim community for their continued support and steadfast contribution to national development and government programmes. The President’s message was delivered by the Third Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Hajjat Lukia Nakadama Isanga, who served as chief guest during special thanksgiving prayers held at Gaddafi National Mosque on Friday, May 8, 2026.
The prayers were organized in honour of the President and the nation ahead of the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect, Gen. Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, following his victory in the recent nationwide elections. The event was held shortly after the Juma congregational prayers and was presided over by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the Second Deputy Mufti, on behalf of the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, who was attending the burial of the late Sheikh Issa Yiga, a long-serving UMSC staff member in Butambala District.
In the President’s message, Hajjat Nakadama conveyed gratitude to Muslims for their contribution to nation-building, noting that the Head of State values their support and has consistently included members of the Muslim community in government leadership. She encouraged Muslims to continue engaging government constructively, urging them to lobby for increased representation in public offices and greater access to scholarships, particularly in science-related fields.
“What you have to know, Muslims, is that President Museveni really values your contributions towards nation-building. That is why he always includes some of your members in government positions,” she said.
She also commended the President for sponsoring 150 Muslims to perform the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, describing it as a significant gesture of support to the Muslim community. Hajjat Nakadama further called for unity among Muslims, noting that cohesion would enable them to engage government more effectively.
“Unity will quicken the President’s attention to listen and respond positively to whatever request you may present,” she advised. She also urged Muslims and all Ugandans to attend the upcoming presidential inauguration scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Earlier, dignitaries addressed the gathering, including Eng. Joseph Mukasa Ssava, Presidential Envoy for Buganda Affairs, who represented Kampala Minister Hajjat Minsa Kabanda. He commended the strong working relationship between the government and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
In his remarks, the Second Deputy Mufti, Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, thanked President Museveni for his continued support to the Muslim community, citing contributions such as the construction of the National Mosque and UMSC headquarters, as well as a recent UGX 2 billion donation towards the Muslim Women Sacco. He also urged Muslims working in government to demonstrate dedication, integrity, and professionalism in public service.
Dr. Sheikh Bukenya further appealed for increased recruitment of qualified Muslims into government positions, noting that many now meet the required qualifications.
The function was attended by several dignitaries, including Hajjat Zaminah Malole, Chancery and Presidential Awards Manager at the Office of the President, and members of the UMSC National Management Committee led by Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the Secretary General, among others.