Amb. Dr. Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu Officially Opens Masjid Abdul-Karim in Kanaaba–Ndejje as ICFER Celebrates Milestone Project

KANAABA – NDEJJE, WAKISO DISTRICT

— A landmark moment of faith, unity, and community development was witnessed on Friday, 17th April 2026, as Masjid Abdul-Karim was officially opened in Kanaaba–Ndejje, Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District. The grand occasion attracted a large gathering of Muslim faithful, community leaders, scholars, and well-wishers from across the region.

The newly completed mosque is a project of the Islamic Centre for Education & Research (ICFER), whose main offices are based at Buziga Islamic Theological Institute. ICFER has continued to play a vital role in promoting Islamic development projects, education, and community welfare in Uganda through mosque construction and humanitarian outreach.

The mosque was officially inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu, Uganda’s Ambassador to Sudan and Morocco, who presided over the ceremony and later delivered the Jumah Khutbah to hundreds of worshippers who filled the newly completed mosque. A commemorative plaque unveiled during the event confirmed the official opening date as 17/04/2026 AD / 29/10/1447 AH.

The day’s activities began with a warm reception for guests, followed by site inspection and formal proceedings. Excitement reached its peak when H.E. Dr. Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu cut the ceremonial ribbon, officially declaring the mosque open for public use. Joyful takbirs and appreciation chants filled the atmosphere as worshippers celebrated the completion of a project many described as transformational for Kanaaba village.

Speaking during the ceremony, LC1 Chairman Daniel Kakooza of Kanaaba Village thanked ICFER for bringing such a significant development structure to their community. He noted that the mosque would not only serve as a center of worship but would also uplift the social and moral fabric of the area. He praised the donors and organizers for remembering Kanaaba in such a meaningful way.

On behalf of the ICFER leadership, CEO Haj. Yusuf Jemba expressed gratitude to Amb. Dr. Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu for accepting the invitation to officiate at the opening ceremony. He described the Ambassador as a humble leader who has remained close to the people and consistently available for causes that uplift the Ummah.

Haj. Jemba reaffirmed ICFER’s commitment to continued service in mosque development, education, and community empowerment. He also appreciated all partners, donors, and local residents who supported the project from its inception to completion. He called upon the Muslim community to protect and maintain the mosque while utilizing it for beneficial programs such as Qur’an teaching, youth guidance, and family development.

Other ICFER leaders including Imam Kasozi and Haj. Biseegerwa Mohammad were also recognized for their important roles and dedication toward the successful completion of the Masjid Abdul-Karim project. Their continued support, guidance, and commitment to community development were appreciated by attendees, with many acknowledging the collective efforts of the ICFER leadership in delivering such a valuable project to Kanaaba–Ndejje.

The Twale representative and the Imam of Ndejje Subcounty, Sheikh Saali Mahmood Muzaazi, also commended ICFER for its continued developmental work in Makindye Municipality. He revealed that with the opening of Masjid Abdul-Karim, the municipality now counts 90 mosques, a sign of the steady growth of Islam and expanding worship infrastructure in the area. He thanked all stakeholders for strengthening access to places of prayer for Muslims.

Also speaking at the event, the District Khadi, Sheikh Farook Sendijja, applauded ICFER for its impactful contribution to the Ummah through mosque construction and religious development. He further thanked Amb. Dr. Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu for his generous and selfless services to the Muslim community, describing his presence at the event as a source of inspiration and encouragement.

During his own remarks, Amb. Dr. Ssemuddu commended all donors, organizers, and local leaders who made the project possible. He emphasized that mosques are not only places of prayer, but centers of discipline, unity, education, and moral guidance. He urged Muslims to preserve the mosque, keep it active with worship and learning, and ensure it becomes a beacon of righteousness for future generations.

The ceremony also featured a symbolic tree-planting exercise led by the Ambassador, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship in Islam and the beautification of community spaces around places of worship. Leaders present praised the gesture as a reminder that faith and responsible development go hand in hand.

Following the official launch, the congregation gathered inside the spacious new mosque for the Adhan, Jumah prayers, and Khutbah. The interior was filled to capacity as worshippers listened attentively to the sermon, while many others joined from the surrounding compound. Families, elders, youth, and children were all present, demonstrating the central role the mosque is expected to play in community life.

Residents expressed gratitude for the completion of the project, noting that the mosque will ease access to worship facilities, strengthen Islamic teaching, and provide a dignified space for gatherings, Qur’an classes, youth mentorship, and community initiatives. Many said the opening of Masjid Abdul-Karim marks the beginning of a new chapter for Kanaaba–Ndejje.

Muslim Channel Uganda was on ground to provide full coverage of the historic occasion, capturing scenes of the ribbon-cutting, plaque unveiling, Friday prayers, and the joyful turnout of believers celebrating the opening of a new House of Allah.

As the day concluded, one message remained clear: Masjid Abdul-Karim is more than a building—it is a legacy of faith, unity, service, and hope for the Muslim community of Kanaaba–Ndejje and beyond.