BUDAKA. His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda, on Saturday closed the 6th Annual Muslim Youth Career Guidance and Counselling Seminar organised by the Budaka District Muslim Youth Da’wah and Development Association.
The seminar was held at Budaka Muslim Primary School sports grounds on Saturday, December 14, 2025. This year’s theme was
“Empowering Youth in Socio-Economic Development.” The sessions were facilitated by two key speakers: Dr Rehema Kaggwa, who spoke on financial literacy, and Hon. Muzafar Ngujja, who addressed the role and importance of Islamic theological and secular studies.
Present at the closing function were several dignitaries, including Dr Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wadenga, the Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti; Sheikh Muzamir Hassan Kidandaire, the host Kadhi of Budaka Muslim District; Haj Huzairu Kimbugwe, the Budaka Resident District Commissioner (RDC); Mr Pajje Emanuel, the LC V Chairperson; the Mayor of Budaka Town Council; Muslim leaders at lower administrative levels; among others.
Several speeches were delivered by key personalities, including Mr Muhamood Kaale, a third-year law student at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and youth leader, as well as Hassan Nsenye, the Chairperson of the Budaka District Muslim Youth Da’wah and Development Association. Speaking on behalf of the organisers, they called for increased support towards youth-led developmental activities.
On his part, Haj Huzairu Kimbugwe, as the government representative, urged the youth to be responsible and respectful to leaders and elders. Meanwhile, Patrick Kabazi, an aspirant politician, commended the close cooperation among different faith groups and appealed to the Mufti to support the community by initiating a health facility.
Dr Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wadenga and Sheikh Kidandaire also shared updates on the state of Muslim affairs in the region and district, respectively.
The event was crowned by the Mufti’s address. He reminded the youth of the importance of being respectful and responsible, noting that when youth are morally upright, they contribute to national stability. He cautioned them against being manipulated by greedy politicians to cause violence, particularly during the forthcoming national elections. “Don’t elect leaders who lack inclusive development programmes, nor elect them based on ethnicity or religion,” the Mufti advised.
He thanked the organisers and pledged support for youth programmes by committing UGX 10 million. He concluded by urging all Imams to register for the ongoing SACCO programmes ahead of the awaited Presidential pledge.