UMSC AND MUSLIM PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP FOR MUSLIM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has taken a significant step toward strengthening collaboration with the Muslim Parliamentary Caucus following a high-level engagement aimed at advancing legislation, socio-economic development, institutional growth, and the welfare of the Muslim community across Uganda.

The meeting, held at the UMSC Headquarters, brought together the Council's leadership, Members of Parliament, senior Government officials, and Muslim leaders from across the country.

The landmark engagement marked the first official meeting between the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council leadership and the Muslim Parliamentary Caucus of the 12th Parliament.

The meeting attracted 29 Muslim Members of Parliament, while 15 legislators sent apologies. It was graced by the Vice President of Uganda, H.E. Maj. (Rtd.) Jessica Alupo, the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Lukia Nakadama, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Minsa Kabanda, alongside senior Government officials and the top leadership of UMSC.

Addressing the gathering, the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, said the engagement was intended to establish a long-term strategic partnership between UMSC and Muslim legislators in championing the interests and development aspirations of the Muslim community.

The Mufti reflected on the history of Islam in Uganda, highlighting its resilience during the colonial era, the journey toward Muslim unity, the establishment of UMSC, and the institutional reforms that have strengthened the Council over the years.

He also expressed appreciation to Vice President Jessica Alupo for attending the meeting and requested her to convey the Council's gratitude to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued support to the Muslim community.

The Mufti further reaffirmed UMSC's commitment to working closely with Government in implementing development programmes and proposed a one-week leadership induction programme for UMSC leaders at the National Leadership Institute, Kyankwanzi, to strengthen institutional leadership and understanding of Uganda's socio-economic transformation agenda.

Earlier, the Secretary General of UMSC, Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, presented a comprehensive overview of the Council's ongoing programmes, with particular emphasis on the newly developed UMSC360 Digital Platform.

He explained that UMSC360 is designed to digitally transform service delivery within the Muslim community by improving access to development programmes, enhancing accountability, strengthening institutional coordination, and providing a transparent platform for community empowerment initiatives.

The Secretary General called upon Muslim Members of Parliament to work closely with UMSC in supporting the successful rollout of the digital platform across the country.

Deputy Chairperson of the Muslim Parliamentary Caucus, Hon. Bumali Mpindi, presented an eight-page framework outlining proposed areas of cooperation between Parliament and UMSC.

Speaking exclusively to Muslim Channel, the UMSC Secretary General, Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, emphasized that the meeting marked the beginning of a stronger institutional relationship between UMSC and Muslim legislators.

He noted that Parliament plays a critical role in supporting policies and legislation that improve the lives of Muslims, adding that the Council looks forward to working closely with the Caucus in promoting education, economic empowerment, community development, institutional strengthening, and the nationwide implementation of the UMSC360 digital platform.

The Secretary General further called upon Muslims across Uganda to embrace unity and actively participate in programmes being implemented by UMSC for the benefit of the entire community.

In her address, Vice President Jessica Alupo commended the Mufti and the UMSC leadership for providing stable leadership and strengthening the institution over the past twenty-five years.

She applauded the Council for promoting religious moderation, peaceful coexistence, responsible citizenship, and institutional development while creating sustainable sources of income to support its programmes.

The Vice President also encouraged Muslim Members of Parliament to maintain close collaboration with UMSC in identifying and advancing legislative priorities affecting the Muslim community.

She further highlighted Uganda's enormous potential within the global Halal industry and urged stakeholders to position the country to benefit from expanding international Halal markets through increased production and exports.

Concluding her remarks, the Vice President called upon all Ugandans to build strong institutions, promote partnerships instead of divisions, create opportunities for citizens, and work together for a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous nation.

The meeting was attended by the Mufti's Deputies Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa and Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, UMSC National Chairperson Prof. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, Deputy Secretary General for Finance and Administration Counsel Hajji Muhammad Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary General for Planning and Development Abdu-Razaq Arinda, members of the UMSC Executive, departmental heads, Regional Assistants to the Mufti, District Kadhis, and other Muslim leaders from across Uganda.

The engagement is expected to strengthen cooperation between UMSC, Parliament, and Government in promoting inclusive development programmes and advancing the social and economic wellbeing of the Muslim community.