KAMPALA. His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda, on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025, hosted his counterpart, His Eminence Sheikh Salum Nayabagabo, the Mufti of Burundi, at his office. The meeting took place shortly after Mufti Mubaje returned from a four-day official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, where he attended an international conference convened by the His Majesty King Mohammed VI Foundation. He was accompanied by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, while Sheikh Nayabagabo was accompanied by Sheikh Ali Khamisi, a Khadi .
The Mufti later introduced his guest to departmental heads who had gathered for the weekly National Management Meeting in the UMSC Boardroom.
The visiting cleric explained that his visit was a courtesy call intended to familiarize himself with UMSC’s Islamic activities.
“I longed to see you physically because I have heard about your outstanding record and wise leadership that has positively impacted Islam in the Eastern Region,” Sheikh Salum Nayabagabo told the Mufti. He added that he was impressed with the developments he witnessed at the UMSC headquarters, describing them as unique and rare in the Black African settings.
He concluded with a humble plea to open a new chapter of cooperation between the brotherly Muslim communities in Uganda and Burundi, and extended an invitation to Mufti Mubajje to visit Burundi in the near future.
In his welcoming response—delivered in impeccable Swahili—Mufti Mubajje briefly explained how Islam was introduced to Uganda, how it survived over the years, and how the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council was established more than 50 years ago. He also highlighted several achievements registered in the last 25 years, including the current constitutional framework that has streamlined many tangible activities. He welcomed the proposal to strengthen cooperation between the two Muslim communities.
He concluded by encouraging Burundi Muslims to join the African Forum for Muslim Councils, whose regional headquarters were recently established at the Annex Building at the UMSC Headquarters in Old Kampala.
In attendance were His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti; Hon. Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General; and the two Deputy Secretary Generals.