By Jazeerah Mirembe
The Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, has visited Kyambogo University, where he called on students to pursue knowledge that benefits society and welcomed a proposal to formalise cooperation between the university and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
Sheikh Mubaje made the remarks on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during a visit organised by the Kyambogo University Muslim Staff Association (KYUMSTA) and the Kyambogo University Muslim Students Association, in collaboration with the university administration.
The visit marked an opportunity for the University and the UMSC to explore areas of mutual interest, including education, moral development, capacity building and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The Mufti was received by university officials and students, who welcomed him with a brass band before he held a meeting with the university’s top management.
The meeting was led by Prof Justus Kwetegyeka, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof Elly Katunguka-Rwakishaya. The two sides discussed areas of cooperation before proceeding to the University auditorium, where staff and students had gathered for the main event.
In his address, Sheikh Mubajje emphasised the importance of acquiring knowledge and urged students not to pursue education solely for academic grades, but to seek knowledge that would benefit themselves, their families, communities and the country.
He also called on the students to combine professional competence with spiritual integrity, noting that true success should encompass both worldly achievements and spiritual wellbeing.“Remember, true success combines worldly achievements with spiritual soundness,” the Mufti advised.
Sheikh Mubajje commended the University administration for creating an inclusive environment in which people are free to practise their religious beliefs.
“Thank you for creating a space where knowledge, character and faith can flourish,” he said. He also recognised the contribution of the University Imam, Sheikh Abdu Nasser Mutyaba, in providing spiritual guidance to the Muslim community at the institution.
Mufti’s message followed remarks by Prof Kwetegyeka, who described the visit as historic, saying it was the first time a top Muslim leader had visited the University since its establishment. In a speech delivered on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Kwetegyeka said religious institutions such as the UMSC had an important role to play in promoting education, moral values, spiritual growth, peace and social development.
He challenged the University to ensure that its training and research produce practical solutions to challenges facing communities across Uganda. Prof Kwetegyeka also proposed that Kyambogo University and the UMSC sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide a formal framework for cooperation in areas of shared interest, including capacity building and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The Mufti welcomed the proposal and responded positively to requests raised by speakers during the event.
Earlier, Assoc Prof Khadija Nakisinge, the chairperson of KYUMSTA, described the visit as a blessing and a source of encouragement to the university community.
She said the university plays an important role in nurturing character, integrity, responsibility, discipline and service to humanity.
Prof Nakisinge also asked the Mufti to recommend qualified Muslim staff seeking opportunities in mainstream government employment and requested that members of the university’s Muslim community be considered for the annual Hajj slots facilitated through the Mufti’s office.
The university’s Imam, Sheikh Mutyaba, thanked the Mufti for accepting the invitation, while the Dean of Students, Prof Madam Bridget Mugume, appealed to him to support students whose studies had been interrupted by a lack of tuition fees. Prof Mugume, who wore Muslim attire and a veil during the event, was joined by students in celebrating the Mufti’s visit
.On behalf of the UMSC, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, briefed the university community on the council’s history, leadership structure, mandate and activities. He also invited the students and staff to attend the forthcoming Muslim Youth Convention scheduled for October 28 and 29, 2026.
The Mufti was accompanied by members of his delegation, including UMSC Education Secretary Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson Abubaker Were Wandaghor, Dr Edris Abdallah Sserwadda Vice Chancellor Insan International University, Sheikh Hamid Serwadda Busungu, Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti, Sheikh Zakiyu Serunjonji, Nakawa Muslim District Kadhi, and other officials.
The visit concluded with the exchange of gifts and a luncheon hosted by the university.