East African Gazette
Old Kampala
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajja, bid farewell today (February 22, 2024) to thirteen (13) Ugandans who are set to pursue their studies in different Russian Universities.
These thirteen students are part of a larger group of forty (40) Ugandan students who had applied for scholarships in various disciplines in Russia.
This followed after a visit from the Russian Ambassador to Uganda, Vladlen Semivolos, who had a courtesy call with the Mufti a year ago.
During their meeting, the Mufti took the opportunity to request scholarships from the Russian Embassy, to which the Ambassador responded positively.
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Following this, Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, the UMSC Education Secretary, was assigned the task of following up on the applications, and out of the 40 applicants, only thirteen met the necessary requirements for the scholarships.
Mubajje urged the successful applicants to express their gratitude to Almighty God for the opportunity they have been given, as they were chosen out of many who applied.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for honoring his pledge and congratulated the students on their achievement.
Furthermore, he encouraged the students to be good representatives of Uganda during their time in Russia.
He welcomed the selection of beneficiaries, which included non-Muslims, as it aligns with the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda’s (IRCU) belief in education as a common good that transcends religious boundaries.
In conclusion, he urged the students to return to their communities and contribute to the country after completing their studies.
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Earlier on, the Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, reminded the students of Russia’s status as a highly developed country with abundant opportunities in various fields of knowledge and skills.
He encouraged them to make the most of these opportunities while staying true to their religious and cultural values.
He also mentioned two distinguished Ugandans, Hajj Hussein Male the retired Principal of Kibuli Teachers College, and Hajj Abubakar Kakembo, the former education officer at the Ministry of Education who have made significant contributions in the field of education in Uganda and the Muslim community after their studies from Russia.
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Hajj Abbas Ssekyanzi Muluubya, the UMSC Secretary General, expressed his delight in the unique disciplines undertaken by the students, emphasizing their role in transformation programs.
Among the beneficiaries include:
1. Bashir Kyagulanyi, Kampala-Masters in Plant Bio Systems
2. Usaamah Katuramu U Bagonza, Kabwohe-Masters in Civil Engineering
3. Janati Nabaggala, Mubende-Information Security
4. Edith Kahunde, Wakiso-Masters in Business Administration
5. Abdul Aziz Murumu, Mbale-Masters in Business Administration
6. Cassim Orishabe, Kanugu-Masters in Applied MTC
7. Jordan Andaku Lounga, Ssekalema Abdulhasiib, Masaka-Ph.D. in Masaka
8. Mustafa Swali, Koboko-Masters in Psychology
9. Wasswa Walugembe Emmanuel Kayiso, Kampala-Ph.D. in Biomedical Science
10. Martin Chris Misiitwa, Mukono- Masters in Design Engineering
11. Luqman Ssentongo, Wakiso- Masters in Human Rights and Law
12. Usaamah Shadrach Bukenya, Wakiso: Masters in Innovatics
The event was also attended by Muhamood Kateregga Namuguzi, National Executive Member/Chairman of the Educational Committee, along with departmental heads including Sheikh Abdu Karim Katamba, Director of Halal; Yaziid Katurerebe, Secretary for Administration and Human Resource; Sheikh Ali Juma Shiwuyo, Secretary for Hija & UMRA, Sheikhat Radhiyya Namakula, Secretary for Women & Children Affairs; Imam Shaffi Kagiiko, Social Service Secretary; and Sheikh Muhammad Murshid Luwemba, the Secretary for Dawah.