Muslim Youth Convention 2026: UMSC Launches Ten Regional Skilling Centres as Museveni Contributes UGX 50 Million

Qatari Islamic leader Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud proposes an ambitious empowerment programme targeting 10,000 young people and 1,000 youth-led businesses, as Muslim leaders call for greater government support and economic opportunities.

KAMPALA, UGANDA | 29 OCTOBER 2026

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), through its National Muslim Youth Council, has officially launched the National Muslim Youth Skilling and Empowerment Initiative, an ambitious programme aimed at establishing ten vocational and entrepreneurship training centres across Uganda’s ten Muslim administrative regions.

The historic launch took place on Thursday, 29 October 2026, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala during the National Muslim Youth Convention 2026, bringing together Muslim youth representatives, religious leaders, government officials, diplomats, development partners and international guests.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, represented by Third Deputy Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, contributed UGX 50 million towards the Muslim youth, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting economic empowerment initiatives.

The convention was held under the theme:

“Guided Youth Leadership: A Foundation for Mindset and Skills Development for a De-radicalised, Socially and Economically Empowered Future Generation.”

The gathering marked a significant step towards transforming Muslim youth empowerment from dialogue into practical programmes designed to address unemployment, limited vocational skills, inadequate startup capital and economic exclusion.

President Museveni Contributes UGX 50 Million, Urges Youth to Embrace Hard Work

In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Third Deputy Prime Minister, President Museveni commended the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council for mobilising young Muslims around issues of faith, development and economic transformation.

The President emphasised that religious communities must actively participate in Uganda’s economic development rather than allow religious differences to undermine national unity.

He described Islam as a religion that promotes peace, hard work, cleanliness and trade, encouraging Muslim youth to embrace productive economic activities.

President Museveni also highlighted government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation and State House-supported regional skilling programmes as opportunities available to young Ugandans.

He urged young people to organise themselves into productive groups, develop financial discipline and participate in the money economy.

The President further commended Muslim leaders for promoting peace and guiding young people away from radicalism and extremism.

At the conclusion of the presidential address, Nakadama announced a contribution of UGX 50 million to the Muslim youth.

The Deputy Prime Minister also assured Muslim youth leaders that she would convey their request for a direct meeting with President Museveni.

Ten Skilling Centres to Transform Muslim Youth Livelihoods

National Muslim Youth Council Chairman Hajji Habib Mustafa described the convention as a turning point in addressing the economic challenges affecting Muslim youth across Uganda.

He explained that the initiative seeks to establish one skilling centre in each of the ten UMSC Muslim regions, providing young people with practical vocational training, entrepreneurship opportunities and pathways towards financial independence.

According to Mustafa, unemployment, limited access to practical skills and inadequate startup capital remain among the greatest challenges confronting young people.

He stressed that youth empowerment must go beyond motivational speeches and conferences to deliver tangible economic results.

The proposed centres are expected to equip young people with practical skills in areas such as tailoring, welding, mechanics and other income-generating trades.

However, Mustafa cautioned that vocational training alone would not guarantee economic independence unless graduates could access financing to establish businesses.

He consequently introduced the concept of a Muslim Youth Circle, envisioned as a financial support mechanism through which trained young people could obtain capital to purchase equipment and establish enterprises.

Under the proposed arrangement, a young person trained in tailoring, for example, could seek financing to acquire a sewing machine and begin operating a business.

Mustafa emphasised that the initiative’s success should ultimately be measured through employment opportunities, businesses established and livelihoods transformed.

Qatari Islamic Leader Proposes Training 10,000 Youth and Creating 1,000 Businesses

The convention received international encouragement from Sheikh Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Mahmoud, a distinguished Islamic leader and former Chief Justice of the State of Qatar, who attended as a special guest.

In his address, delivered through an English translator, Sheikh Al Mahmoud commended the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council for prioritising youth development and establishing a framework for long-term economic empowerment.

He emphasised that a nation’s greatest resource lies in the knowledge, discipline, creativity and productive abilities of its young population.

Sheikh Al Mahmoud proposed five priority areas for the planned skilling centres:

1. Technical and vocational training: Electrical installation, construction, mechanics and renewable energy technologies.
2. Agriculture and agribusiness: Modern farming, livestock production, food processing and agricultural entrepreneurship.
3. Digital technology and innovation: Computer literacy, artificial intelligence, programming and digital business.
4. Entrepreneurship and financial literacy: Business management, access to financing and small-enterprise development.
5. Faith, leadership and civic responsibility: Ethical leadership, responsible citizenship and community service.

He particularly emphasised the importance of ensuring that young Muslim women benefit from educational and economic empowerment opportunities.

A Three-Year Empowerment Proposal

Sheikh Al Mahmoud further proposed establishing a coordinated National Muslim Youth Empowerment Programme involving UMSC, government institutions, private-sector organisations, civil society and development partners.

Subject to feasibility assessments and funding availability, the proposed programme could target:

• Training at least 10,000 young people within three years.
• Supporting the establishment of 1,000 youth-led small businesses.
• Creating apprenticeship and internship opportunities.
• Facilitating access to Sharia-compliant youth financing.
• Promoting innovation, environmental protection and community development.

He called for cooperation between UMSC and relevant government institutions in technical accreditation, vocational education and enterprise development.

The Qatari guest also expressed willingness to explore opportunities for mobilising international partnerships and potential financial support from charitable and development institutions in Qatar and other Gulf countries.

He clarified that such engagement would require a comprehensive and credible project proposal.

His message emphasised that the planned institutions should produce competent professionals and successful entrepreneurs rather than merely award training certificates.

The proposed initiative would therefore require measurable indicators, including the number of young people trained, businesses established and employment opportunities created.

Muslim Youth Leaders Appeal for Direct Engagement with President Museveni

Beyond the economic empowerment agenda, the convention provided a platform for Muslim youth leaders to express concerns regarding their participation in national development and engagement with government.

In his address, Hajji Habib Mustafa expressed disappointment over President Museveni’s absence from the convention despite expectations that he would attend.

Speaking partly in Luganda, Mustafa appealed to the President to accord Muslim youth greater opportunities for direct engagement, noting that they also contribute to Uganda’s economy and national development.

He requested the Third Deputy Prime Minister to communicate these concerns to the Head of State.

The Chairman of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Prof. Muhammad Lubega Kisambira, supported the appeal, calling for an audience between the President and Muslim youth representatives.

Prof. Kisambira emphasised that Muslim youth are peaceful, productive members of Ugandan society who deserve meaningful opportunities to contribute to national transformation.

He also encouraged government agencies, development partners and financially capable individuals to support the establishment of the proposed skilling centres.

Responding to the concerns, Nakadama explained that the President had been unable to attend because of other state responsibilities and had delegated representatives to several functions.

She assured the gathering that the request for a presidential meeting would be communicated to him.

UMSC Leadership Calls for Peace, Education and Responsible Citizenship

Representing the Mufti of Uganda, Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, First Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa encouraged young Muslims to combine religious knowledge with practical education, ethical conduct and economic productivity.

The Mufti was unable to attend personally following a delay to his flight from Moscow.

Sheikh Waiswa reminded young people that meaningful success requires sincere intentions, discipline, knowledge and commitment to serving their communities.

He urged Muslim youth to seek lawful livelihoods, respect their parents, fulfil their responsibilities and demonstrate Islamic values through honesty and kindness.

He also called upon religious leaders and youth mentors to provide guidance to young people vulnerable to violent or extremist messages.

The Deputy Mufti emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and cooperation between Muslim communities and government institutions.

He appealed for fair inclusion of Muslim youth in national employment, skills training, apprenticeships, enterprise financing and other development opportunities.

Special attention, he said, should be given to young women, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.

UMSC Youth Structures Strengthened Across Uganda

Prof. Muhammad Lubega Kisambira highlighted the significance of constitutional reforms within the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council that have provided for Muslim youth representation at different administrative levels.

He explained that the new structures would extend youth representation to mosques across the country, creating opportunities for young Muslims to participate in leadership and community development.

With more than 15,000 mosques referenced in his address, the chairman described the development as an important institutional milestone.

He observed that the proposed skilling centres would complement existing government programmes, including the Parish Development Model and Emyooga.

The UMSC chairman called upon government, development agencies, bilateral partners and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the initiative.

Youth Urged to Change Their Mindset and Embrace Skills Development

Delivering the convention’s keynote address, Sheikh Hussein Ali Bulafu challenged young people to abandon dependency and embrace responsibility, innovation and self-development.

He explained that meaningful transformation begins with a change in mindset, supported by the acquisition of relevant practical skills.

Drawing upon Islamic teachings, Sheikh Bulafu reminded participants that personal and community transformation requires individuals to take responsibility for improving their circumstances.

He encouraged young Muslims to pursue education, develop professional competence and contribute positively to their communities.

Sheikh Bulafu also appealed to religious leaders, parents, mentors and institutions to create opportunities for young people to develop leadership abilities and practical skills.

He urged participants to regard the convention as the beginning of sustained personal and community transformation rather than simply a networking event.

International Partnerships and Community Support

The convention also recognised the contribution of international guests and development partners, particularly Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud, whose support helped facilitate the gathering.

Organising Committee Chairman Sheikh Twaha Usman Kajjaya thanked the various stakeholders, religious leaders, institutions and volunteers who contributed to the event’s success.

He acknowledged the participation of young Muslims who travelled from different parts of Uganda, describing their attendance as a demonstration of national unity and commitment to youth development.

The convention attracted representatives from educational institutions, Muslim administrative regions, religious organisations and other stakeholders.

The official launch was marked by the signing of the National Muslim Youth Skilling and Empowerment Initiative by participating leaders and dignitaries, including the presidential representative, Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud, Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa and UMSC leadership.

From Convention Speeches to Practical Economic Transformation

The National Muslim Youth Convention 2026 has established a framework for expanding vocational training, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities among Muslim youth across Uganda.

The initiative’s long-term impact will depend on resource mobilisation, effective partnerships, sustainable financing, operational planning and the successful establishment of the ten proposed regional skilling centres.

With government encouragement, international interest and institutional support from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, the programme presents an opportunity to strengthen the participation of Muslim youth in Uganda’s social and economic development.

However, the proposed training and enterprise targets remain subject to financing and implementation arrangements.

For the National Muslim Youth Council, the central message emerging from Kololo was clear: the future of Muslim youth empowerment must be defined not merely by conferences and commitments, but by practical skills, productive enterprises, sustainable livelihoods and measurable improvements in young people’s lives.

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