By Delux Emmy Alomu
The Grand Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has called for unity among Muslims ahead of Prophet Muhammad (Maulid) celebrations tomorrow.
This plea for solidarity comes amid lively discussions circulating on social media regarding whether Muslims should or should not mark the occasion, given that the Prophet himself did not celebrate his birthday.
Mufti Mubajje stated that while the Quran does not explicitly instruct Muslims to celebrate this day, it also does not prohibit such observance.
In a message conveyed by Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti for the Teso-Karamoja Region, Mubajje encouraged respect for diverse expressions of love for the Prophet.
He noted that those who believe demonstrating their affection through attending mosque prayers or engaging in Mataali drum ceremonies should feel free to do so.
Conversely, he welcomed those who choose to express their love by fasting to proceed accordingly, highlighting that disagreement should not hinder mutual respect and unity.
Mubajje remarked, “For those who find value in expressing their love for the Prophet through Quran recitation, let it be so. However, it is essential that this diversity of practice promotes harmony rather than division among Muslims.”
The message came during the Teso-Karamoja regional Quran recitation, Adhan (call to prayer), and Mataali drumming (drum beating) competition held at Soroti Secondary School in Soroti City on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Participants from the Muslim districts of Kumi, Teso, Karamoja, and Kotido showcased their talents in vibrant performances.
Abdul Majid Lochuu from Kotido excelled in the Quran recitation category, while Abdul Razak Hassan Okiring from Teso earned recognition as the best in the Adhan contest.
In the Mataali drumming competition, the Itiswam team from Camswahili Mosque Soroti claimed the top prize.
The regional event was judged by esteemed figures, including Lecturer Dr. Muhammed Mustafa from Egypt, Chief Imam Albashir Abubakar from Nigeria, and lecturer Hafidh Abduswabur Badru Omodo from Kaberamaido, Uganda.
All winners will represent the Teso-Karamoja region in the upcoming national competition scheduled for Monday night, culminating to the celebrations for the birth of Prophet Muhammad on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Sheikh Obilan announced that participants who recited five books in the regional competition will receive certificates, although they will not proceed to the national competition in Kampala.
Top performers at the national level will not only receive accolades but also have the chance to undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca, an extraordinary opportunity.
Muslim registration
Additionally, Sheikh Obilan shared that the region has initiated a mosque membership registration in Karamoja, with plans to distribute the remaining membership forms across counties and mosques in Teso.
This effort aims to accurately account for the number of Muslims in the region.
“We seek to determine the number of Muslims in our community to substantiate our claims regarding UBOs, which suggest a lower Muslim population. This information will also assist in the effective delivery of services tailored to their actual numbers,” he stated.
Obilan explained that the registration process is being conducted at the mosque level to empower Muslim leaders in their advocacy for projects, directly based on accurate counts.
He noted that this Muslim census has already begun in the Teso-Karamoja region, and with the grand mufti’s support, it is expected to expand across the entire country.
He also highlighted a pressing issue in the region, as land grabbing remains a significant legal battle, particularly in Soroti City and Kumi Municipality.
Obilan promised that, as Muslim leaders, they would stand united to reclaim what rightfully belongs to them, particularly land, and expressed hope that this matter would escalate to Parliament’s attention.
The RAM announced a partnership with Judith Home Care of Hope Foundation, aimed at equipping up to 2,050 female youth and Imams with skills, set to launch on Monday, September 6, 2026.
He further mentioned that investors have been secured to develop unused land within the Muslim region.
Sheikh Ramadhan Ibrahim Ibwakit, the District Kadhi of the Teso District Muslim Council, stressed the importance of continued unity among the community, particularly in promoting Islamic education.
Ibwakit pointed out that Shs10 million allocated to Teso Muslim District women by the president’s office was inadequate, prompting them to allocate funds for a poultry project in Orungo, Amuria District rather than dividing the money.
The District Kadhi called for increased financial support from the government and additional donors to help establish more institutions, including mosques and scholarships for Muslim children.
He urged top Muslim leaders to address the operational issues of the Islamic Health facility in Soroti city at Campswahili, emphasizing the need for every mosque to initiate madrasah schools to prevent children from wandering in urban areas.
Sheikh Hajji Muhammad Akiida Lokure, the District Kadhi of Karamoja, encouraged the Muslim community to prioritize education for their children, guiding them towards professions in agriculture and fisheries to mitigate conflicts and competition for limited positions among District Kadhis.
Deputy District Kadhi Kumi from the Muslim District, Sheikh Rashid Omujaj, along with Yusuf Okiror, the county sheikh of Soroti, emphasized the importance of enrolling children in Quran memorization or madrasah schools.
They believe this will help children learn the Quran and become devoted followers and friends of Allah.
Sheikh Hajji Isa Keli Pedo, the Kadhi of Kotido Muslim District, was also present at the gathering.
Cue: Obilan23-Ateso
