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Mufti Mubaje calls for unity among Muslims ahead of Maulid
His appeal comes amid discussions on social media over whether Muslims should mark the occasion, with some questioning the practice on the grounds that the Prophet himself did not celebrate his birthday.
Regional Assistant to the Mufti, Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, leading the lunchtime prayers during the competition at Soroti SS in Soroti City on August 22, 2026. (Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)
By: Deluxe Emmy Alomu, Journalist @New Vision
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The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Dr Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has called for unity among Muslims as they prepare to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, known as Maulid, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
His appeal comes amid discussions on social media over whether Muslims should mark the occasion, with some questioning the practice on the grounds that the Prophet himself did not celebrate his birthday.
Mubajje said that while the Quran does not explicitly instruct Muslims to celebrate the occasion, it also does not prohibit such observance.
Regional Assistant to the Mufti, Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, speaking during the Qur'an competition at Soroti SS, Soroti City, on Saturday, August 22, 2026. (Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)
In a message delivered by Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, the regional assistant to the Mufti for the Teso-Karamoja Region, Mubajje urged Muslims to respect different ways of expressing love for the Prophet.
He said those who choose to express their affection by attending mosque prayers or participating in Mataali drum ceremonies should be free to do so, while those who prefer to fast should also be allowed to observe the occasion in that way. He emphasised that differences in practice should not undermine mutual respect and unity.
"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 was delivered during the Teso-Karamoja regional Quran recitation, Adhan and Mataali drumming competition held at Soroti Secondary School in Soroti city on August 22, 2026.
Participants from Kumi, Teso, Karamoja and Kotido Muslim districts took part in the competitions.
Abdul Majid Lochuu from Kotido emerged as the best Quran reciter, while Abdul Razak Hassan Okiring from Teso won the Adhan contest. The Itiswam team from Campswahili Mosque in Soroti won the Mataali drumming competition.
The competitions were judged by lecturer Dr Muhammed Mustafa from Egypt, chief imam Albashir Abubakar from Nigeria and lecturer Hafidh Abduswabur Badru Omodo from Kaberamaido, Uganda.
The winners will represent the Teso-Karamoja region at the national competition scheduled for Monday evening as part of the Maulid celebrations.
Sheikh Obilan said participants who recited five books during the regional competition would receive certificates, although they would not proceed to the national competition in Kampala.
He said the top performers at the national level would receive accolades and an opportunity to undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Muslim registration drive
Obilan also announced a mosque membership registration exercise in Karamoja, with plans to distribute the remaining forms across counties and mosques in Teso.
He said the exercise was intended to establish an accurate number of Muslims in the region and provide reliable figures for planning and advocacy.
"We seek to determine the number of Muslims in our community to substantiate our claims regarding the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, which suggests a lower Muslim population. This information will also assist in the effective delivery of services tailored to their actual numbers," he stated.
Obilan said the registration was being conducted at mosque level to empower Muslim leaders to advocate for projects based on accurate population figures.
He said the exercise had already started in the Teso-Karamoja region and, with the support of the Mufti, was expected to expand across the country.
Land concerns
Obilan also raised concerns over land grabbing in the region, particularly in Soroti City and Kumi Municipality.
He said Muslim leaders would work together to reclaim land they believe rightfully belongs to the Muslim community and expressed hope that the matter would eventually reach Parliament.
He also announced a partnership between the RAM and Judith Home Care of Hope Foundation to equip up to 2,050 female youth and imams with skills. The programme is scheduled to launch on Monday, September 6, 2026.
Muslim leaders in Teso and Karamoja sub-regions, led by Regional Assistant to the Mufti Sheikh Obilan (4th left) and adjudicators of the Quran competition, take a group photo with winners in the region. (Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)
He said the top performers at the national level would receive accolades and an opportunity to undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Muslim registration drive
Obilan also announced a mosque membership registration exercise in Karamoja, with plans to distribute the remaining forms across counties and mosques in Teso.
He said the exercise was intended to establish an accurate number of Muslims in the region and provide reliable figures for planning and advocacy.
"We seek to determine the number of Muslims in our community to substantiate our claims regarding the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, which suggests a lower Muslim population. This information will also assist in the effective delivery of services tailored to their actual numbers," he stated.
Obilan said the registration was being conducted at mosque level to empower Muslim leaders to advocate for projects based on accurate population figures.
He said the exercise had already started in the Teso-Karamoja region and, with the support of the Mufti, was expected to expand across the country.
Land concerns
Obilan also raised concerns over land grabbing in the region, particularly in Soroti City and Kumi Municipality.
He said Muslim leaders would work together to reclaim land they believe rightfully belongs to the Muslim community and expressed hope that the matter would eventually reach Parliament.
He also announced a partnership between the RAM and Judith Home Care of Hope Foundation to equip up to 2,050 female youth and imams with skills. The programme is scheduled to launch on Monday, September 6, 2026.
He further said investors had been secured to develop unused land in the Muslim region.
Youth and women's empowerment
Soroti City East MP Moses Attan Okia said he was committed to creating opportunities for women and youth through training in business skills, including hairdressing, cosmetics, goat rearing and poultry, as well as financial support.
Attan said he intended to demonstrate his effectiveness as a leader through his actions before returning to the electorate in 2031.
He also said he had leased about 25 acres of land in Otatai to grow chia seeds, citing the crop's market potential.
“This will enable farmers who are my voters to get seeds and knowledge to grow cheer seeds alongside coffee, cocoa and bananas,” he said.
Calls for greater investment in Muslim institutions
Sheikh Ramadhan Ibrahim Ibwakit, the District Kadhi of the Teso District Muslim Council, also called for continued unity and greater investment in Islamic education.
Ibwakit said the sh10m allocated to Teso Muslim District women by the President's Office was inadequate, prompting them to channel the funds into a poultry project in Orungo, Amuria district, rather than dividing the money among beneficiaries.
He called for increased government and donor support to establish more institutions, including mosques, and provide scholarships for Muslim children.
The district kadhi also urged Muslim leaders to address operational challenges at the Islamic health facility in Camp Swahili, Soroti city, and called on every mosque to establish madrasah schools to keep children engaged in education.
Sheikh Muhammad Akiida Lokure, the district kadhi of Karamoja, encouraged Muslims to prioritise education for their children, including training in agriculture and fisheries, to reduce conflicts and competition for limited positions among district kadhis.
Deputy district kadhi Kumi Sheikh Rashid Omujaj and the county sheikh of Soroti, Yusuf Okiror, similarly encouraged parents to enrol children in Quran memorisation or madrasah schools.
Sheikh Isa Keli Pedo, the Kadhi of Kotido Muslim District, also attended the gathering.
Youth and women's empowerment
Soroti City East MP Moses Attan Okia said he was committed to creating opportunities for women and youth through training in business skills, including hairdressing, cosmetics, goat rearing and poultry, as well as financial support.
Attan said he intended to demonstrate his effectiveness as a leader through his actions before returning to the electorate in 2031.
He also said he had leased about 25 acres of land in Otatai to grow chia seeds, citing the crop's market potential.
“This will enable farmers who are my voters to get seeds and knowledge to grow cheer seeds alongside coffee, cocoa and bananas,” he said.
Calls for greater investment in Muslim institutions
Sheikh Ramadhan Ibrahim Ibwakit, the District Kadhi of the Teso District Muslim Council, also called for continued unity and greater investment in Islamic education.
Ibwakit said the sh10m allocated to Teso Muslim District women by the President's Office was inadequate, prompting them to channel the funds into a poultry project in Orungo, Amuria district, rather than dividing the money among beneficiaries.
He called for increased government and donor support to establish more institutions, including mosques, and provide scholarships for Muslim children.
The district kadhi also urged Muslim leaders to address operational challenges at the Islamic health facility in Camp Swahili, Soroti city, and called on every mosque to establish madrasah schools to keep children engaged in education.
Sheikh Muhammad Akiida Lokure, the district kadhi of Karamoja, encouraged Muslims to prioritise education for their children, including training in agriculture and fisheries, to reduce conflicts and competition for limited positions among district kadhis.
Deputy district kadhi Kumi Sheikh Rashid Omujaj and the county sheikh of Soroti, Yusuf Okiror, similarly encouraged parents to enrol children in Quran memorisation or madrasah schools.
Sheikh Isa Keli Pedo, the Kadhi of Kotido Muslim District, also attended the gathering.