By Ashraf zziwa.
His Eminence, Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, hosted His Excellency William W. Popp, the United States Ambassador to Uganda, for an Iftar dinner at his official residence at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters in Old Kampala. The event took place on the evening of Friday, March 28, 2025, following Mufti Mubaje’s return from an official visit to the U.S. at the invitation of the Fetzer Institute in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Mufti Mubaje was invited in his capacity as the co-chair of the African Council for Religious Leaders–Partners for Peace (ACRL-PP). During his three-day stay, he participated in various meetings as a co-moderator and, on behalf of ACRL-FP, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Fetzer Institute. The agreement aims to foster cooperation between the two entities.
In his welcoming remarks, Mufti Mubaje expressed profound gratitude to Ambassador Popp and the U.S. Mission staff for honoring the invitation during the final days of Ramadan. He also thanked the U.S. government for facilitating his visit.
“The Holy Month of Ramadan fosters brotherhood, compassion, love, and empathy within communities,” Mufti Mubaje said. He emphasized the significance of the ambassador’s presence as an opportunity for meaningful discussions on shared human values, including peacebuilding and development. He encouraged further engagement to explore areas of mutual interest.
Mufti Mubaje also urged Muslims to continue practicing righteousness beyond Ramadan and extended his best wishes for a blessed Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month.
Ambassador Popp, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the invitation, describing it as a strong commitment to interfaith dialogue within Uganda’s diverse communities.
“I am truly grateful to be here and experience this important time during Ramadan. We must continue this legacy of dialogue for future engagements and development partnerships,” he said.
The dinner was attended by senior UMSC officials, including His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti; Hon. Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, Secretary General; Dr. Sheikh Ziyadi Swaleh Lubanga, Director of Sharia; Haji Ali Juma Ngobi, Secretary for Finance & Planning; Haji Mahmood Kateregga, Executive Member; Sheikhat Raddiyyah Namakula Secretary for Women & children affairs and Imam Shafii Kagiiko Secretary for Social Services
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