On Friday, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, and the Inhebantu, Jovia Mutesi, hosted Busoga Muslim Community to Ramadan Juma prayers at Igenge Palace in Jinja city.

Muslim worshippers around the world performed the last Friday prayers in Ramadan.

In Jinja, Juma prayers inside the palace were led by the deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa.

Muslims prayed to Allah to bless the royal couple, their palace and for peace to reign over Busoga.

Later, the Kyabazinga, who was clad in a white tunic (kanzu) and Inhebantu in a cream hijab, were led by the kingdom's prime minister, Dr Joseph Muvawala, to the royal tents.

Here, speeches were conducted before a huge gathering of Muslims. 

Muvawala was accompanied by his deputies, Prof. Dr. Lubega Muhammad Kisambira — who is also the national chairman of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) — and Al-Hajji Ahmed Osman Noor.

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV waving to his subjects as he was walking with Inhebantu of Busoga Jovia Mutesi (right) towards the royal tents while at Igenge. Photo by Donald Kiirya

Also present were the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, and the Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Justine Lumumba Kasule.

Uganda's Ambassador to the UAE, Zaake Kibedi, Jinja North division MP David Isabirye and Jinja city Woman MP Manjeri Kyebakutika were also in attendance.

Also present were kingdom officials and politicians.

While at the event, MTN-Uganda’s acting chief technical and information officer, Yasin Ismail Ramadan, who represented CEO Sylvia Mulinge, handed over alms to Muslim leaders for distribution to the Muslim community.

In his address, the Kyabazinga urged Muslims to continue praying for Allah's guidance as the fasting period continues for a few more days.

He urged Muslims to continue promoting unity and love among Ugandans irrespective of their different faiths and political ideologies.

He also thanked MTN-Uganda for the donation.

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (left) with Inhebantu of Busoga Jovia Mutesi (right) waving to their subjects. Photo by Donald Kiirya

On his part, premier Muvawala called for unity amongst the people of Busoga.

Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Waiswa thanked the Busoga royal couple for hosting the Muslims at the Ramadan Juma prayers at his palace while UMSC's Lubega thanked the Kyabazinga for his love towards the Muslim community.

In the same spirit, minister Babalanda lauded the Busoga king for embracing all religious denominations in the country.