President Museveni engages Muslim clergy on peace, wealth creation

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has met a delegation of Muslim leaders at State Lodge, Nakasero, with discussions centring on national unity, peace and socio-economic transformation.

The delegation, led by former first deputy mufti of Uganda Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, engaged the President on the role of religious leaders in fostering harmony and guiding communities towards development.

L-R: Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, Sheikh Dr. Irumba Muhammad and Bunya West Member of Parliament and NRM Chairman for Mayuge district, Hon. Aggrey Henry Bagiire attending a meeting where President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was meeting Muslim leaders at the State Lodge Nakasero on the 10th January 2026. (Photo by PPU/Tony Rujuta)

During the meeting on January 10, 2026, President Museveni commended Muslim leaders for their continued contribution to national development and their guidance to the Muslim community, reaffirming the government's commitment to working closely with religious institutions.

“We have no issue with religious beliefs because God is one. Your different ways of looking at Him are your issues. As long as you don’t break the law, I have no problem at all,” President Museveni said.

The President also encouraged religious leaders to actively promote wealth creation as a pathway out of poverty.

“We should also concentrate on wealth creation. Whatever you believe in, please get out of poverty,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, President Museveni thanked the Muslim community for its support of the National Resistance Movement, citing businessman Hassan Basajjabala as an example of a successful entrepreneur who has also become a prominent political figure.

“When we were in Ishaka, he said supporting the NRM is not only supporting the ruling party but supporting ourselves,” the President said.

On behalf of the delegation, Sheikh Ssemambo expressed gratitude for the engagement and praised the President’s leadership and support for the Muslim community.

Sheikh Dr. Irumba Muhammad delivering his message during the meeting with President Yoweri Museveni at the State Lodge Nakasero on the 10th January 2026. (Photo by PPU/Tony Rujuta)

“I want to take this opportunity to thank you for inviting us and thank you for the great work you have done to develop this country, Your Excellency,” he said.

Sheikh Ssemambo also commended President Museveni for safeguarding freedom of worship and reaffirmed the Muslim leadership’s commitment to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence.

“We have come to reaffirm to you that we are following, we are behind you, and we are doing our best to guide the people that this is the right person to support,” he said.

Former Bunyoro Tooro regional Kadhi Sheikh Muhammad Irumba also praised the President’s leadership.

“We extend our most sincere appreciation for your good leadership and contribution to the country,” he said.

Saturday's meeting was attended by Muslim leaders drawn from western, eastern, northern and central Uganda.