By Joseph Kiggundu
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has commended Turkiye charities and philanthropists for supporting Muslim education and humanitarian initiatives in Uganda.The commendation was delivered by the Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, who represented the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, at the commissioning of the Hedef Islamic and Vocational Institute, Kigo Girls Campus, in Wakiso District.
The multimillion-shilling facility was officially commissioned on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Nziranumbo Village, Upper Munyonyo, Kigo. The project was supported by philanthropists Marc Gebauer and Dr Sahin, founding director of the Dr Sahin Help Organisation, both based in Germany, in partnership with Uganda-based organisations Holistic Empowerment Development Foundation and Ngali Development Foundation.
Sheikh Waiswa described the institution as a landmark investment in Muslim education and an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between Uganda and Türkiye.
He urged learners and their parents to make proper use of the facilities to achieve the institution’s educational objectives.
The campus, designed in a Turkish architectural style, comprises an administration block, classrooms equipped with modern furniture, computer laboratories, furnished dormitories with bedding and wardrobes, washrooms, dining halls and prayer rooms. Earlier, UMSC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, also thanked the Turkish charities, particularly Dr Sahin through his organisation, for their humanitarian interventions.
He cited food relief, the annual provision of sacrificial animals during Eid al-Adha and the installation of boreholes to improve access to safe water in communities as some of the initiatives that have improved the welfare of vulnerable populations.
Sheikh Cucu of the UMSC Education Department also applauded the donors for complementing the council’s efforts to expand access to education by providing free learning opportunities to Ugandan children from families unable to afford school fees.
He urged the school administrators to integrate Uganda’s national curriculum into their programmes to ensure that learners’ academic qualifications are recognised by the government.
Speaking on behalf of the donors, Dr Sahin said the project was intended to provide more than education by offering girls a safe and supportive home.
“We were really delighted to give 60 girls a home where they feel safe and loved, and also a place where they can learn, grow and have a chance for a better future,” he said.
Dr Sahin disclosed that the campus was the third project his organisation had established in Uganda. He added that plans were underway to establish a kindergarten and a skills development centre on the same piece of land.
The guests subsequently witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for the two additional projects.
Ngali Development Foundation Country Director Suleyman Hilmi described the school as part of the organisation’s efforts to translate its motto, “Helping you to help others,” into lasting development outcomes.
In his written address, Hilmi outlined other humanitarian interventions undertaken by the foundation, including food assistance and the installation of boreholes to support vulnerable communities.
Hedef Islamic and Vocational Institute, Kigo Girls Campus Branch Administrator Shadia Nabulime briefed guests on the institution’s operations, including its enrolment of 60 female learners and the courses offered.
The school’s Dean of Students, Abdu-salam Migabo, also addressed the gathering. The Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) was represented at the function.
Other dignitaries included Hajjat Sophie Saffina Kenyangi of the UMSC National Muslim Women Council.
The commissioning ceremony concluded with the official opening of the facility, followed by a guided tour of the campus and a luncheon hosted by the organisers