Mubajje calls for consideration of more Muslims in govt appointments

KAMPALA - Millions of Muslims across the world on Wednesday thronged mosques, open grounds and prayer centres to mark Eid al-Adha, one of the most important festivals on the Islamic calendar, celebrated in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

The day, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is marked by special congregational prayers, acts of charity and the slaughtering of animals such as cows, goats and sheep, with the meat shared among family members, neighbours and the less privileged.

At Gaddafi National Mosque in Old Kampala, prayers were led by the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje.

The prayers attracted diplomats, senior government officials, prominent Muslim leaders and business personalities, among others.

In his sermon, Mubajje congratulated Muslims in Uganda and across the world upon celebrating Eid al-Adha, which he described as “the Eid of Sacrifice.”

He praised Allah and Prophet Muhammad and urged Muslims to remain steadfast in faith and unity.

In his sermon, Mubajje congratulated Muslims in Uganda and across the world upon celebrating Eid al-Adha, which he described as “the Eid of Sacrifice.” (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

The Mufti also acknowledged Muslims who observed fasting before the Eid celebrations, adding that for those who missed the fast, “we have next year inshallah.”

However, Mubajje used the occasion to express concern over the commercialisation of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, accusing some individuals of exploiting pilgrims for financial gain.

“Those who are heading this programme have turned their religion into a business enterprise, that they exploit the Hajjis,” Mubajje said, adding that the trend had contributed to confusion and reports of missing pilgrims during Hajj.

He said the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) had attempted to intervene in the management of Hajj arrangements but had faced resistance from some actors involved in the process.

“This time with some people representing the government itself,” the Mufti said.

Mubajje further revealed that President Yoweri Museveni had allocated Hajj slots to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, but claimed that a large number of those slots had been taken up by individuals attached to government offices.

“His Excellency gave Uganda Muslim Council slots for hajjis. But out of those 170, 83 were obtained by those who were sought to be working for the state and representing the government,” he said.

He added that discussions would be held with relevant authorities and the President to streamline future Hajj arrangements.

“We shall sit with those concerned, and also with His Excellency the President, and make these future programmes,” Mubajje said.

Reflecting on the significance of Eid al-Adha, the Mufti reminded Muslims that the celebration commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son before Allah provided a ram instead.

He praised organisations and individuals distributing meat and aid to vulnerable communities during the celebrations, saying they were acting “for the sake of Allah” and in fulfilment of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

Mubajje, however, criticised poor slaughtering practices by some people involved in the exercise and called for professionalism in handling sacrificial animals.

Kabanda commended Muslims for maintaining unity and urged them to continue loving and supporting one another. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

The Mufti also expressed concern over the declining number of Ugandans travelling for Hajj despite many Muslims being financially capable of making the pilgrimage.

“This year, just 1,000 and some few were able to go to Mecca,” he said, noting that many more Muslims could afford the journey if better arrangements were put in place.

Mubajje regretted the few Muslims appointed in the latest Cabinet and called for more government support towards the Muslim community, arguing that Muslims had remained united and supportive of national leadership.

“A small slice is not enough. We need more,” Mubajje said.

He further urged Muslim leaders and political leaders to promote unity instead of divisions within the Muslim community.

“Your effort should be to work for the unity of the Muslims… do not divide us more, but try to unite us,” he said.

The Mufti congratulated newly elected leaders and applauded Ugandans for maintaining peace during elections.

“I wish to congratulate all those who were elected, the cabinet, the legislature, the judiciary, and the people of Uganda for a peaceful next five years,” he said.

The government was represented by Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs.

Kabanda commended Muslims for maintaining unity and urged them to continue loving and supporting one another.

“Let us unite as Muslims, let us love each other,” she said, while emphasising the importance of trust, faith and togetherness.

Kabanda thanked Muslims who supported President Museveni and also expressed gratitude to voters who elected her as Kampala Central Member of Parliament before her reappointment as Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs.

“The Minister of Kampala is your sister,” Kabanda said, adding that her office remains open to all Ugandans “without discrimination” based on tribe or other differences.

She also thanked Muslims who travelled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and encouraged more believers to undertake the pilgrimage.

“Please, those who have gone, I encourage you to continue going to Saudi Arabia,” she said, while noting that there were still “some gaps” in Hajj arrangements that needed attention.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of UMSC, Hajj Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya, congratulated Muslims upon reaching what he described as an important day of sacrifice in Islam.

“I want to congratulate you upon reaching this middle hour of your day, which is a very important Muslim day of sacrifice,” Muluubya said.

He also commended the government for creating an enabling environment that allows Muslims to freely practise their faith.

“We want to particularly thank the government of Uganda for its continued support for Muslim affairs and the enabling atmosphere, so that we can sit and pray and practise our deeds without any issues,” he said.

Muluubya thanked Muslims for promoting Islam and supporting Muslim community programmes over the past year. He noted that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council continues to implement programmes aimed at improving Muslim welfare, including academic opportunities through Islamic institutions.

On education, he urged Muslim schools to integrate Islamic theology with secular education to ensure balanced learning for Muslim children.