UMSC, Al-Maktoum Foundation to Build Boys’ School in Eastern Uganda
By Ashraf Zziwa
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and Al-Maktoum Foundation, established by Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum the Ruler of Dubai, United Arab Emirates- UAE, have agreed to establish a new secondary school for boys in Eastern Uganda. This follows the success of Hamdan Girls’ High School, built by the Foundation in Mbale in 1998. During a meeting on November 1, 2024, at the Al-Maktoum Foundation’s office, Country Director Mr. Galal Wahby and a UMSC delegation, including Education Secretary Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, Hon Haj Muhmood Kateregga Namuguzi Sebuganda Chairperson National Education committee,/ UMSC Executive member, Hon Nasser Musa Odongkara. Head of Awqaf – Endowment and other Bugisu Muslim District leaders, reviewed plans for the project. Mr. Wahby’s request for 1.5 additional acres from Bugisu Muslim District for the boys’ school site received positive consideration.
The proposed project was presented to UMSC’s National Executive Committee, which approved a fact-finding delegation to assess the land and logistics. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will guide the implementation, aiming for project initiation in early 2025.
Mr. Wahby highlighted that the Foundation’s decision to expand its efforts in Uganda follows a recent UAE delegation visit that noted significant progress at Hamdan Girls’ High School. The Foundation has built numerous educational and development projects across Africa, including schools, boreholes among many in projects to uplift underprivileged communities.
Sheikh Cucu expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s continued support and pledged close cooperation to ensure the project’s success. Both parties discussed MOU details, which will be drafted by their legal teams for swift finalization.
Ahead of the meeting, the UMSC delegation visited Bugembe Islamic Institute in Jinja, met Bugisu Muslim District leaders in Mbale, and joined Friday prayers at Masjid Sunni wala Jama’ah. Their visit concluded with a tour of Nkoma Secondary School, hosted by Headteacher Haj Abubakar Kawanguzi and Board Chair Prof. Muhammad Nabalegwa Wanbede.
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