Mufti Hails the Promotion of Education Among Muslims
His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has commended the remarkable efforts of Muslim families in promoting education within their communities, a shift from the past when Muslims were often stereotyped as illiterate. Speaking at the thanksgiving ceremony of Prof. Dr. Haj Ahmed Katalemwa Kateregga, PhD (Makerere University), the Mufti acknowledged the steady progress that has seen many Muslims achieve high levels of education, including doctorates.
“I now stand here to challenge whoever thinks that there are no Muslims qualified for any post in this country; we can point them out,” the Mufti remarked during the ceremony. The event, held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Dr. Kateregga’s family residence off the Kampala-Entebbe Highway, celebrated Dr. Kateregga’s academic achievements. He is the son of the late Haj Muhmood Kateregga Namuguzi, a former UMSC Executive member and head of the Mpologoma (Lion) clan.
Sheikh Mubaje praised the late Haj Kateregga and his wife, Hajjat Farida Kateregga, as staunch UMSC supporters and educationists who left a strong legacy in the field of education. The Mufti also lauded Dr. Kateregga’s academic journey, thanking his primary school teacher, Mr. James Sebulime, and his PhD supervisor, Prof. Dr. Jude Ssempebwa, for their roles in his success.
Highlighting UMSC’s ongoing focus on education, Sheikh Mubaje shared the Council’s efforts to formalize Muslim leadership through higher education. He stressed the need for Muslims in leadership roles to attain at least A-Level, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degrees—either in Islamic theological studies or in secular fields for administrative and managerial positions. He urged Muslims to intensify their efforts in educating their children, equipping them with both Islamic principles and practical life skills, and to support UMSC’s developmental initiatives.
Earlier, speeches were delivered by several high-profile individuals, including Hajjat Zulaika Kibirige, Headteacher of Kawempe Muslim Secondary School, where Dr. Kateregga is employed; Sheikh Ismail Lukebelwa ( UMSC Majlis Al iUlama); and Prof. Dr. Jude Ssempebwa. All spoke highly of Dr. Kateregga’s dedication and accomplishments.
The host family also made remarks, including contributions from Haj Muhmood Kateregga Namuguzi Sebuganda, junior (UMSC Executive), Sulaiman Sserwadda (Manager, Housing Bank Kololo Branch), and other family members and clan heads. Dr. Kateregga concluded the speeches by sharing his inspiring academic journey, which culminated in a PhD in Education Management from Makerere University.
The ceremony was attended by key UMSC officials, including Hon. Haj Muluubya Ssekyanzi, Secretary General, and Hon. Counsel Muhammad Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary in charge of Administration and Finance, Sheikh Farouku Ssendijja, the Kadhi, Entebbe Muslim District., Sheikh Ismail Kazibwe, County Sheikhs/ Secretary IPLE, among others
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