KAMPALA.
The Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje has hailed a charity-driven mass wedding initiative supported by Turkish nationals living in the Netherlands under Time To Help Charity, in partnership with the Nile Humanitarian Development Agency, describing it as a practical and rare intervention within the Muslim community.
His Eminence Sheikh Hafidh Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the second deputy Mufti representing Mufti Mubaje, made the remarks on Sunday, April 12, 2026, during a mass wedding ceremony held at Kayunga Muslim District Mosque and headquarters. The event brought together several couples—including deaf spouses—who took their marriage vows.
The ceremony marked the third phase of the annual mass wedding program organized by the Kayunga Muslim District Council, targeting less privileged and disabled members of the Muslim community.
Dr. Sheikh Bukenya described the program as unique, noting that it directly addresses social and moral concerns affecting vulnerable populations.
“It is indeed an admirable gesture worthy of emulation in other rural settings, as it encourages Muslim faithful, especially those affected by poverty, to embrace lawful marriages in line with Islamic norms and tenets.”
He emphasized that Islam encourages believers to formalize relationships through marriage, citing Qur’anic teachings that discourage fornication and promote lawful unions within one’s means.
The Mufti also pledged to popularize the initiative across other Muslim districts under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council structure.
Turning to the newlyweds—including Wassajja Faisal and Salima Naluyima, as well as Abdu-Raufu Kirunda and Nabasirye Aminah—he urged them to remain God-conscious, support each other, and serve as examples in their communities.
Meanwhile, the Director of Time To Help Charity, Mr. Omer Tozkoparan, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to funding similar social transformation programs, including future mass weddings for the needy.
Earlier, the host Kayunga District Kadhi, Sheikh Umar Gugumiza, advised the couples to build their marriages on patience, respect, and responsibility.
“Try to live by that and your marriage will last long,” he said, before offering prayers for blessings upon their unions.
He also appealed to donors to expand support into other critical areas such as vocational and life skills training, school infrastructure, healthcare, and access to safe water through borehole rehabilitation.
The ceremony concluded with the couples receiving assorted start-up items, including mattresses, bicycles, clothes, and food supplies such as rice, sugar, and soap to support their new households.
Kayunga Muslim District leaders, led by District Secretary Mr. Miladi Hirya, attended the function.