KAMPALA .
His Eminence the Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda has hosted a delegation of Muslim Scout Leaders from East African countries.
The delegation, which also included Mr Tufail Yusuf, a special delegate from the United Kingdom, was led by Haj Sulaiman Musana Kawanguzi, the UMSC Protocol Officer.
They paid a courtesy visit to the Mufti following the conclusion of their four-day conference held in Uganda, which commenced on May 5th. The interaction with the Mufti took place shortly after the Friday Juma congregational prayers at the National Mosque, UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala, on May 9, 2025.
In his welcoming remarks, Mufti Mubajje drew inspiration from the Holy Qur’an, citing the narrative of the pious youths who fled persecution and slept for hundreds of years in a cave, as mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18). “Reading the history of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouts and Girl Guides Movement, one might observe that he drew inspiration from the Holy Koran when compiling the movement’s guiding principles, which include a personal commitment to helping others,” Sheikh Mubajje remarked.
The Mufti also emphasized the meaning of the word SCOUT as earlier defined by Eng. Erisa Nkoyoyo Kiwana, the assistant chief commissioner in charge of Innovation and Talent Development at the Uganda Scout Association.
He explained that being a Scout means being smart in mind and thought, courageous in facing challenges, obedient and respectful to others regardless of age, united among members, and trustworthy in character.
Mufti Mubajje implored Muslim Scouts and Girl Guides to understand that by practicing these principles, they are actualizing Islamic values ordained by Almighty Allah. He urged them to continually strive to do good with the sincere intention of pleasing God and earning divine rewards.
He concluded by congratulating the delegates on the successful completion of their conference, during which they resolved to form the East Africa Muslim Scout Union.
The union’s first committee was formed with Haj Sulaiman Musana Kawanguzi appointed as Chairman, Mr Omar Mavura from Tanzania as Vice Chairman, and Mr Ismail Abdi from Kenya as Secretary General, among others.
Before Mufti Mubajje’s address, His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti, and Hajji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, both praised the Scout Movement during their welcoming remarks.
The visit was crowned with special prayers led by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti.
Other notable attendees included Hajjat Sophie Safina Kenyangi, the UMSC National Chairperson for the Muslim Women’s Council, and Hajji Juma Ali Ngobi, the UMSC Secretary for Finance and Planning.