His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has launched the newly formed UMSC sports team at a brief ceremony held at the UMSC headquarters on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
The vision bearer of this initiative is H.E. Haj Yusuf Mpoza, the Mufti’s Special Envoy based in London, United Kingdom.
Mufti Mubaje expressed his delight at the realization of the initiative, describing it as timely. In his speech, he quoted the divine sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasizing that Almighty Allah loves believers who are physically strong over those who are weaker and lazy. He also cited another Prophetic saying advising Muslim faithful to instill in their young ones the skills of swimming and archery. He explained that this guidance was meant to promote physical fitness among Muslims to help ward off illnesses.
“So, games are one of those bodily physical fitness commendable,” he said. He further urged the team managers to ensure that the newly created football club remains inclusive and does not discriminate against anyone who wishes to join—whether as a player or a supporter. He concluded by thanking Haj Mpoza for organizing the event.
Meanwhile, other remarks were delivered by Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, who praised the initiative, noting that it aligns well with UMSC’s social and economic transformation programs.
On his part, Haj Yusuf Mpoza explained that he initiated the idea to foster love, unity, friendship, and entertainment. He added that he plans to further popularize the team so that both players and managers can eventually earn a livelihood from it. He also pledged to use his contacts abroad to solicit the necessary items and equipment for the team in the near future.
Present at the event were His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti; His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafidh Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the Second Deputy Mufti; UMSC departmental heads; and the newly selected players, among others.