KIBUKU.His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, the Mufti, on Wednesday commissioned a newly built mosque alongside a borehole constructed to provide safe water to the Muslim community of Bugolo Village, located along the Tirinyi–Mbale Highway in Kibuku District.
The commissioning took place amid a heavy afternoon downpour, following a prolonged dry spell and dusty, hot conditions that had affected much of the country for over two months.The mosque is part of several rural social transformation programmes being implemented—particularly in Eastern Uganda—by Al-Haal Charity, founded by youthful social worker Ukasha Shaban, a son to Mufti Mubajje. The mosque was constructed on land donated by Sheikh Haruna Emuge, the former Kadhi of Kumi, who currently serves as a member of the Shuura Council of elders and retired Muslim leaders.
Construction of the mosque was fully funded by an American Muslim family of Mr Ali Mayar as part of their Sadaqatul Jariya—a continuous act of charity that benefits others even after one’s departure from earthly life, as taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
On arrival, the Mufti received a rousing welcome from a mammoth crowd of excited men, women, and children who repeatedly chanted popular Islamic phrases, including “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest). The crowd lined up behind their leaders, among them Sheikh Dr Ahmad Hamid Wadenga, the Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti; Sheikh Isah Ssetimba; the host Kadhi of Kibuku Muslim District; and other local leaders.
The Mufti later drew water from the borehole, symbolising the official handover of the well to the entire community, regardless of religious affiliation. He was also taken on a guided tour of the mosque premises, including the Imam’s new residence, before cutting the multi-coloured ribbon to officially open the mosque.
Together with the congregants, the Mufti offered prayers before listening to remarks from key stakeholders. First to speak was Ukasha Shaban, the project coordinator, who expressed gratitude to both the land and financial donors and pledged, on behalf of Al-Haal Charity, to continue implementing similar projects in communities.
Sheikh Abdallah Hassan, the County Sheikh of Tirinyi, commended the new developments in the area, while Sheikh Haruna Emuge said he donated the land specifically to promote Islamic activities and pledged to provide more land should expansion be required. Dr Sheikh Wadenga and Sheikh Ssetimba also shared updates on the state of Muslim affairs in the region and the district, respectively.
The event was crowned by the Mufti’s address, which was punctuated with quotations from the Holy Qur’an and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) relevant to community development. He commended the donors and the Al-Haal Charity project coordinators for the successful implementation of the project and urged beneficiaries to put the facilities to proper use, particularly for continuous spiritual growth.
He concluded by admonishing children to respect the decisions made by their parents when they donate property for religious purposes.
“Never attempt to interfere in the management or try to alter the usage of property that was donated in the way of God, as is often seen with some errant children after the passing of their parents,” he preached.