By Sulaiman Kauki
Makerere University’s new Imam, Sheikh Abdul-Karim Abdallah Katamba, has urged Ugandans to reflect on their individual contributions to national development instead of blaming others for the country’s challenges.
Katamba said every citizen had a responsibility to protect peace, promote justice, fight corruption, safeguard public resources and help young people build a better future.
He made the appeal during his maiden Friday sermon at Makerere University Mosque on October 9, coinciding with Uganda’s 64th Independence anniversary celebrations.
“Since 1962, that is not the only question we should ask ourselves. We should also ask ourselves, what have we done?” Katamba said, challenging citizens to examine how they had used the peace and freedom the country had enjoyed. He urged Ugandans to consider whether they were promoting peace, helping others, teaching children good values and contributing to the development of their communities.
“Every citizen in Uganda has a role to play,” he said, calling on the public to leave the mosque with renewed determination to protect their neighbours and fellow citizens.
Katamba said independence was a blessing that required gratitude to Allah, but added that such gratitude should be demonstrated through responsible actions. He urged Ugandans to preserve peace, exercise authority with justice, use knowledge to benefit others and serve their communities.
The Imam warned that peace should never be taken for granted, saying conflict disrupts education, displaces families and divides communities.“Where there is no peace, there can be no meaningful development,” he said, urging Ugandans to promote reconciliation whenever disagreements arise and to reject tribalism, religious discrimination and violence.
Katamba called on young people to pursue education, acquire practical skills and work hard, warning them against drugs, violence and other destructive behaviours.
He said young people had a special responsibility because they would become the country’s future leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and scholars. He also urged them to use modern technology for education, business and constructive communication rather than spreading hatred and misinformation.
Katamba challenged young people to support poor and vulnerable members of society and to use their knowledge and opportunities to contribute to the common good.
He further called on Ugandans to protect the environment by avoiding unnecessary destruction of forests and wetlands, keeping communities clean and using natural resources responsibly. The sermon also included prayers for Uganda’s continued peace and stability, wisdom for its leaders, and knowledge, discipline and employment opportunities for young people.
The outgoing Imam, Dr Sowedi Juma Mayanja, urged the university community to give his successor maximum cooperation and offer sincere advice whenever necessary.Mayanja also asked Katamba to understand the composition of the mosque’s congregation, which includes students, university staff and members of the nearby business community.
Professor Abasa Kiyimba, a Makerere University lecturer and former student, thanked Mayanja for his leadership, saying the Muslim community had made considerable progress during his tenure. Kiyimba said the mosque, which was initially planned to accommodate about 1,200 worshippers when the university had approximately 300 Muslims, was no longer sufficient for the growing congregation.
Katamba’s appointment as Makerere University Imam took effect on October 1, 2026, following a selection process involving the Office of the Mufti of Uganda.