By Ruth Nanyonga
KAMPALA.The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Secretary General, Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, has urged Muslim students at Makerere University and other institutions of higher learning to use their time wisely, pursue academic excellence and encourage one another to uphold good morals.
He said university life presents a critical opportunity for students to acquire knowledge, develop their character and build relationships that could shape their future careers and personal lives.
Muluubya gave the advice during an engagement with members of the Makerere University Muslim Students’ Tea Club on Thursday evening, October 15, 2026.
The club, led by its chairperson, Jaabir Aleu, and organising secretary, Bukenya Abubakar, invited him as part of its programme of hosting prominent personalities to share their life experiences and prepare students for the challenges of life beyond university.
Upon arrival, Muluubya was received by the newly appointed Makerere University Imam, Sheikh Abdul-karim Abdallah Katumba. He later signed the visitors’ book at the Imam’s office before joining Muslims for Maghrib prayers at the university mosque.
He subsequently held a one-hour interactive session with the students, drawing his message from Surah Al-Asr, the 103rd chapter of the Holy Quran, which emphasises the value of time, faith, righteous deeds, truth and perseverance.
Quoting the chapter, Muluubya said: “By the token of time through the ages, verily man is in loss, except those who have faith and do righteous deeds, and join together in the mutual consultation of truth, and of patience and constancy.”
Reflecting on his time as an undergraduate student at Makerere University, where he resided in Lumumba Hall, Muluubya urged the students to reflect deeply on the chapter and apply its teachings to their daily lives.
“Take your time in contemplation of this chapter because it will inspire you in facing life’s challenges,” he said.
He emphasised that students should balance their academic responsibilities with religious obligations, noting that success requires discipline, strong moral values and meaningful relationships.
“You have to intensify all acts of worship alongside your studies and build long-term relationships with people who matter if you are to succeed in your profession,” he added.
Muluubya further challenged the students to take up religious responsibilities, observe the teachings of the Holy Quran and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and offer sincere guidance to colleagues seeking the truth.
He also urged them to uphold truth and perseverance, remain transparent and accountable in leadership, improve the lives of others and make good use of opportunities that come their way.
The UMSC Secretary General encouraged the students to cultivate honesty and humility while acquiring additional life skills beyond their university education to prepare themselves for the demands of the job market and wider society. During the engagement, Muluubya also briefed the students on the current state of affairs at UMSC.
He concluded by calling on them to attend the forthcoming youth convention scheduled for October 29, 2026, at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, urging them to turn up in large numbers.