Education, institutional growth and interfaith dialogue take centre stage at Kampala meeting

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has met with leaders of the Muslim community from Burkina Faso to promote stronger cooperation among Muslims across Africa through education, institutional development and interfaith engagement.

The meeting took place at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council headquarters in Kampala, where Sheikh Mubaje received the President of the Muslim Community of Burkina Faso, Alhajj Moussa Koanda, and his delegation.

Discussions focused on building closer ties between Muslim communities in West and East Africa, with participants identifying education and strong institutions as key pillars for sustainable cooperation on the continent.

Alhajj Koanda praised the level of organisation within the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, describing it as a model that other African Muslim communities could learn from. He said better coordination and unity among Muslims would help address shared social, educational and developmental challenges.

He stressed that African Muslims must work together more closely, noting that collective action would strengthen their voice and capacity across national and regional boundaries.

Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Salisu Shehu, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research Development Council, commended Ugandan Muslims for their organisational strength and highlighted education as a unifying force for Muslims across Africa.

Prof. Shehu said education provides a practical foundation for cooperation and long term development, adding that stronger educational partnerships could deepen bonds between Muslim communities in different regions.

In his remarks, Sheikh Mubaje gave a brief overview of the history of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council since its establishment in 1972, outlining reforms and milestones achieved over the decades.

He noted that constitutional reforms supported by the Ugandan government had expanded Muslim leadership structures to include women and youth, strengthening inclusiveness and representation.

The Mufti welcomed proposals for deeper collaboration between West and East African Muslims, pointing out that Uganda hosts the headquarters of the African Forum for Muslim Councils, which provides a platform for continent wide engagement.

He also highlighted the council’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, referencing its role in establishing the Interreligious Council of Uganda and its participation in the African Council of Religious Leaders, both of which promote cooperation on peace building, education, health and poverty reduction.

The meeting ended with agreements to pursue continued engagement through exchange visits and joint initiatives focused on education and capacity building across African Muslim communities.

Alhajj Koanda was accompanied by Prof. Salisu Shehu; Mr. Swaibu Dragule, Coordinator of International Relations; and Mr. Saim Celik, a Turkish national. Mr. Dragule and Mr. Celik are senior staff members of the Islamic University in Uganda.

Source: Nile Post