Assalamu Alaikum, brothers and sisters
Muslim Photo Slideshow prepared by Abbey.K. Semuwemba
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Feb2
Welcome to the UMBSنرحب بكم
May25
Financial Request:Progress of the Ashatwir Islamic Centre
Assalamu alaikum,
I again wish to share with you the progress of the Ashatwir Islamic Centre since my last communication with you on 10th May 2012. Please find attached the current pictures of progress on the construction works. The mosque now needs roofing inishallah but atleast the structure is there now. The plan is to finish the mosque before the other surrounding structures are built inishallah.
I would like to again thank the member who contributed $1500 towards this project. It’s the only contribution we have so far received from UMBS members. May Allah reward him/her abundandly.
Whatever you can contribute please just send ‘mobile’/ ‘immobile’ money to Brother Umar Serubiri on 00256- 0-782958406. Let him know what the money is for inishallah. For those outside Uganda, please send the money in the same names( UMAR SERUBIRI),Then notify either me or the chairman of the project, Mr. Moses Semuwemba at: 00256- 0-392945093
For more details about this project and its arhitectural plans visit the links below:
REQUEST FOR CAPITAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR “ASHATWIR ISLAMIC CENTRE” IN MBUKIRO
ESTIMATED BUDGET FOR THE PROPOSED ASHATHWIR ISLAMIC CENTRE
ARCHITECTURAL PLANS(1) FOR ASHATHWIR ISLAMIC CENTRE PROJECT
ARCHITECTURAL PLANS(2) FOR ASHATHWIR ISLAMIC CENTRE PROJECT
ARCHITECTURAL PLANS(3) FOR ASHATHWIR ISLAMIC CENTRE PROJECT
Thanking you in advance
–
Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba
Stalk my blog at: http://semuwemba.wordpress.com/
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/semuwemba
Follow UAH at: http://ugandansatheart.org/
May20
Uganda Muslims should learn from the The Story Of The Bull
In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
?O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.? (Aali Imran 3:102) ?O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allâh through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship. Surely, Allâh is Ever an All*Watcher over you.? (An-Nisa 4:1) ?O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth.? (Al-Ahzab 33:70)
Umar ibn Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) asked Ubbay ibn Ka?ab (may Allah be pleased with him), ?What is the meaning of Taqwa?? Ubbay ibn Ka?ab said, ?O Amir ul Mu?minin, have you walked on a field that had a lot of thorny plants?? Umar said, ?Yes? Ubbay ibn Ka?ab said, ?So what did you do?? Umar replied, ?I lifted up my clothes and I was very careful,? Ubbay ibn Ka?ab said, ?That is Taqwa.?
We are walking on a field that is full of thorny plants. Shaytan and his followers will try to seduce you and invite you to Evil. So having Taqwa in Dunya is lifting up your clothes and being careful, so that you would not touch this evil. And that is the definition of Taqwa and we ask Allah to make us of those of al- Muttaqeen.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, there?s a famous Story (parable) that I will go through, you may have herd it before, but there are some very important lessons we can learn from it. The story goes like this:
There were four Cows. One of them was white and the other three were black. They used to live in a dangerous area surrounded by wolves. The way they protected themselves was that they were always together, they would stick together, watch out for each other, everyone was keeping an attentative eye, and they survived, even though the area was surrounded by wild beasts.
But the three black cows had a meeting one day. And they said, ?This white cow is giving us away. When we try to hide at night, because we are black no one can see us, but the enemy is able to see the white cow, so why don?t we just let him go. The three of us will be together and let?s just let the white cow go away because he is just too much trouble.? So now from that day on, the three black cows would be on one side and the poor white cow is alone. They boycotted the white cow.
Now the wolf is very intelligent. He was able to detect the disunity that was amongst these cows. So he made his move and he attacked the white cow, and while he was devouring his flesh, the three black cows were doing nothing. They were watching it, while their brother was being torn into pieces!
But the following night, the wolf attacked the three black cows, why? Because now there were one cow short. So they were not as strong as they were the day before. Because they let down their brother white cow, now the wolf attacked them and was able to snatch away one of the black cows. And now we only have two left.
So the following night, it was an even easier thing for the wolf because only two are left, so he ate one of them. And then on the final night there was only one cow left and the cow was trying frantically to run away from the wolf, but now the cow has no supporter and no helper. So the wolf is pursing it with confidence and he knows this cow will get tired and fall down, there?s nothing the cow could do. Nobody to help him, so the wolf is walking around very happily with confidence, and he pounced at the cow and grabbed him by the neck, and while he did that and the cow was pronouncing his last words, he made a very important statement, a statement that is a great lesson that we can learn from. This black cow said, (while he was dying), ?I was eaten, the day the white cow was eaten. I had signed on my execution form, the day I allowed the white cow to be eaten, that?s when I died. I didn?t die now, I didn?t die today?I died when I allowed the wolf to eat the white cow?
Now brothers and sisters I?m sure some of you have already derived some lessons out of this story. I will now go through some of them Insha?Allah
Lesson 1: The Ummah
This story is a good representation of the situation of the Muslim Ummah today. This is exactly what is happening. We are watching one Muslim nation fall one after another, and we are watching, sitting back, doing nothing. When Palestine was taken, we did nothing. And then one nation after another is falling into problems; you have Kashmir, you have Chechnya, the Muslims in the Philippines, and now we have Iraq, and the Ummah is doing nothing. The Ummah is watching, while Iraq is being devoured. It?s not going to end there, because it?s going to spill over to other countries like Syria and only Allah knows who is next! So those nations weren?t taken today, they were taken along time ago. When we allowed a Muslim nation to fall down, we have allowed the same thing to happen to each and every one of us.
Lesson 2: Unity
This shows us the consequences of having disunity. When these cows didn?t stick together, when the allowed the enemy to snatch one of them away, this is what happened to them, they were all defeated. Dear brothers and sisters, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had given an analogy of the Ummah, Nu’man b. Bashir reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: ?The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever.? [Sahih Muslim, Book 032, Number 6258]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) is saying, if your finger is injured or your foot is injured, any part of the body is injured and you feel that pain, you cannot sleep! And your body develops a fever because your body is trying to fight the bacteria inside the infection. It?s trying to fight the enemy so the whole body gets involved in that process. That is the description the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave of the Ummah.
So if a Muslim, in the East, or in the West, or South or North, whether if it?s in the centre of the body or the tips, where it?s on the finger or the toes, you should feel the same pain as if it is happening to you own family. If you are only concerned about your own safety and the safety of your direct family, then there?s something wrong. You are not really part of the body. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is saying the Ummah is one body, it doesn?t matter if they are split into different political states or if they are in different groups, or if they belong to different Madhahabs, as long as this person is a Muslim; and a Muslim is a person who has a sound belief in Allah, somebody who is not deviant, that?s a Muslim.
The thing is that sometimes we look at it as, ?Only me and my group are Muslim?, Why? Because he doesn?t follow my Jamaa?h, he?s not following my way. As long as you cannot prove that that Muslim is a Kaffir, he?s a Muslim. As long as you don?t have evidence, that such a person is a Murtad (Apostate), he is a Muslim; whether he belongs to the same Madhhab or the same group or the same country, it doesn?t make a difference.
Now we all talk about the importance of having Unity. If we talking about having Unity in terms of having one Group and just abandoning all these different Jamaa?ts and we get ride of all of these different Madhahabs and we?ll all just be copies of each other, that?s an impossible thing to have. What we mean by Unity is that even though your approach to Islamic work might be different, the Madhhab that you follow might be different, however, you are there to help you brother when your brother is in need, that is Unity. You could have different approaches to work, you could be doing different things, because we need different things, the Ummah needs everything today. We have a short coming and deficiency in each and every area, therefore we need Muslims to fill those posts, and therefore our approach would be different. Some people are into Da?wah, some people will be into seeking ?Ilm (Islamic Knowledge), some people will be into ?Ibadaah (Worship), people are different. Not everybody can be a copy of everyone else.
People have different abilities. Some people make good scholars, some people make good Imams, some people make good teachers and some people make a good advisor. People are different. Some people, they are good at doing work, they are not really into talking and theory, they are good at doing the daily work that the Muslims need. Everybody is fulfilling a role. And we need to appreciate that. So what is ment by Unity, it means when your brother is in need, you jump to help him, that is Unity. Regardless of what his ideology is as long as he is a Muslim. That is Unity.
So we have to fulfil the meaning of the hadith, that the Ummah is, ??one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches?? You need to feel the pain and suffering when you see what is happening to your brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. You need to be concerned about what is happening in Palestine and Iraq. You need to be concerned with what is happening in Kashmir, even though it is not you country. And some of these Muslim countries have problems among them, they have wars, they have political problems, but as a Muslim, it shouldn?t make a difference to you. These governments are having problems with each other, but that nation, the Muslims in there are my brothers (and sisters). That?s how you should look at it. So we should have that concern for the Muslim Ummah. The one that is not concerned about the Muslims doesn?t belong to them.
Narrated ‘Abdullah: The Prophet said, “Everyone will be with those whom he loves.” [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 189] You will be with the people you love on the day of Judgement. If you have love for the Muslims, you will be with the Muslims on the day of judgement. If you have love for the Kuffar, you will be with the Kuffar on the day of Judgement, that?s how it works. That?s the Justice of Allah. Somebody who loves the Muslims, will be with the Muslims, and will follow them wherever they will go. And that?s why on the Day of Judgement, the Prophet (peace be upon him said, ?Allah will tell the people, ?Follow the Gods you used to worship.?? So whoever used to worship the cross will follow the cross, and whoever used to worship an idol will follow that idol. Allah is telling them, if you didn?t worship me, you can?t expect me to give you the Rewards. Go to your gods and tell them to reward you on this day. And then Allah will take all of the false gods and throw them in Hell fire, and there people will have to follow them. Because Allah is just, u did it for Him, He will reward you, but if you did it for somebody else, you go and ask the reward from the other god. And there is No god besides Allah.
Lesson 3: The consequences of betrayal. The consequences of forsaking a Muslim.
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Umar: Allah’s Apostle said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection . ” [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 43, Number 622 and Volume 9, Book 85, Number 83; Sahih Muslim, Book 032, Number 6250] The three cows in the story handed the white cow over to the enemy.
Now by doing this, they thought they are securing themselves. They thought they would be safe if they handed over this white cow. This white cow was out spoken, it was causing a lot of trouble, it was being accused of being a terrorist, so let him go, we don?t want anything to do with him. Let him go to jail. But the thing is they don?t realise that it will come to you next. You will be next in line. So brothers, if you want to protect yourselves, now we are not talking about doing anything for your brothers that are down, if you want to protect yourself you need to stop that. You need to stop such things from happening, because as soon as you allow one Muslim to be taken, Allah does not help you anymore. You loose the assistance of Allah. ??Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection??If you work to help your Muslim brothers who are in need, Allah will help you when you are in need in the day of judgement.
Now all of us know that we cannot make it alone. Without the help and assistance of Allah, we cannot go anywhere. If you want the assistance of Allah to be on your side, Jump to the assistance of your brother. That?s how you will protect yourself. If you let him (your Muslim brother) down, don?t think that will please you enemy, no! It won?t! They enemy will carry on. Take it as a rule, Shaytan will never be satisfied, will never be happy, until he is able to destroy the entire Ummah. Nothing will satisfy Shaytan. If you try to please him by all means, it?s not going to work. He has been our enemy since the time of Adam and he will carry on being our enemy until the time of the Day of Judgement. Don?t think that you will please him and keep him quiet, by feeding him one of your brothers. No! His hunger is never satisfied. His thirst is never quenched.
If we betray or forsake a Muslim who is in need today, be assured that Allah will forsake us tomorrow. And brothers and sisters, for you who are living in the west, you are living in a dilemma, your children are brought up in a non-Islamic environment and you?re not going to be around, you?re going to die?one day you are going to die and leave them behind. And only Allah knows what their fate will be, possibly they could grow up and become non Muslims, that?s a possibility. We ask Allah that none of our children go astray from the Straight Path, but the thing is that you need to invest for the future of your children. You need to invest something for them, to ensure they will carry on, on the straight path. You don?t want to be held accountable on the Day of Judgement and Allah is telling you, ?You are the ones who brought your families to this Land, therefore you are responsible for what they do in the future. And you will be responsible for generations after generations that come.? So you want to invest for your children. And the way you do that, is by standing up for your brother who is in need of help. Allah will be there for you and will be there for your children.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in the hadith of Ibn Abbas, ?If you take care of the command of Allah, Allah will take care of you (and you will find Allah with you).? And how does that happen? Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains the hadith. He says:
i) If you take care of Allah, Allah will take care of you by keeping you away from vain desires and doubts in Imaan (Belief);
ii) If you take care of the commands of Allah when you are young, Allah will take care of you in you old age;
iii) If you take care of the commands of Allah, Allah will take care of your children.
And Ibn Rajab gives an example of the Last one. He talks about the Story of Musa and al-Khidr. [The full story can be found here :http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Islam_True/message/107] Allah says in Quran, ?Then they both (Musa and al-Khidr) proceeded, till, when they came to the people of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused to entertain them. Then they found therein a wall about to collapse and he (Khidr) set it up straight. [Mûsa (Moses)] said: If you had wished, surely, you could have taken wages for it!”? (Al-Kahf 18:77) Then Al-Khidr explains why he fixed the wall for free, “And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the town; and there was under it a treasure belonging to them; and their father was a righteous man, and your Lord intended that they should attain their age of full strength and take out their treasure as a mercy from your Lord. And I did it not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of those (things) over which you could not hold patience.” (Al-Kahf 18:82)
So Allah took care of the orphans because there father were righteous. These orphans were not old enough to be held accountable, so we could not have known if they were going to be righteous or not, but the reason why Allah put the treasure there was because their father was a righteous man. And the father had already passed away, so Allah was taking care of that mans kids. And Allah sent al-Khidr all the way just to fix that wall, why? This was because their father was a righteous man. So not only will take care of them when you are alive, but he will take care of them after you pass away, what?s better then that?! Therefore we need to be taking care of the Commands of Allah, and don?t think by ducking down you will be safe, you will not, you will be next.
Now dear brothers and sisters, we talked about this issue in general, however some specific in you city, in your own neighbourhood, we are not talking about things that are happening in Iraq or Palestine or somewhere else. In your own city and this country, many Muslims have been arrested. You know when you talk about Guantanamo bay and all that stuff; there is a Guantanamo bay in this country. There were 524 Muslims who were arrested under the new laws and only 2 of them have been charged. You have over 520 Muslims who are locked up in Jail, and are left to rot in there, and they haven?t committed any crime and there no charges brought against them. They are left there in just months on end, to rot there in the prison cells. What have you done for them? Your North African brothers who have nobody to help them in this country, and the Muslim community is not doing anything for them and they are left there, years at end.
One brother was telling me about the conditions of his family; these are poor brothers and sisters, their families are left without any caretakers, and they are suffering poverty, and no one is doing anything for them. And recently there have been some British citizens who were arrested; later on they were released because there was nothing against them. And one of them, he was beaten up by police, when they arrested him, and he did not resist at all, he raised up his hands and the police came in and started beating him up. And then what did they do? After he was bleeding and had a black eye and blood was coming from his ears and urine, the police put him in the posture of sujood and they told him, ?Where is you God now?? Insult to Islam, insult to our religion, insult to our Ummah, you need to do something; you can?t just sit there and watch. This is an insult to our religion, it?s not just an insult to the brother, and it?s an insult to Islam. You putting someone in sujood and telling him where is you god? Allahu Akbar, you are trying to challenge Allah? Allah is Just and Allah will revenge for himself. Allah does not need us. But the thing is that we can?t allow such things to happen and we watch.
You just sit there watching and doing nothing. Thinking by ducking down and being quiet, we will be safe. If you don?t stop it now, it could happen to you, it could happen to your wife, it could happen to your own daughter. You need to stop it in its tracks before it grows. So you need to do whatever you are capable of doing. It?s a responsibility that?s hanging on your neck, its something that you owe to your Muslim brothers, you owe to the Ummah and you owe to Allah. You know you don?t think that our religion is just you talk about theoretical things and we stay away from what is happening to the Ummah. That is why the Muslims in Spain, lost Spain. Al-Makari, who was a classical Muslim historian, said (and this was while the Muslim towns were falling down) , ?The Muslim towns were being invaded by the crusaders by town after another and they were falling one after another and you can walk into the mosques of Andalus and you can hear nothing about what?s happening to the Muslims. Nobody talks about it in the Khuthbah, no body talks about it in the lessons, nothing! The scholars are talking about theoretical things and they are leaving the Ummah, and the Ummah is being betrayed.?
Ibn Hazm al-Andalusi, the famous scholar from Andalus, was so frustrated and fed up of the situation of the scholars and the imams of al-Andalus, he said, ?Do not be deceived by these Fusaaq (corrupt people), who claim to be scholars while they are wearing the skins of sheep on hearts of wolves.? He said what are they doing? They are doing nothing for the Ummah. The Ummah is falling down, the Ummah is being fought against, and the land of al-Andalus is being invaded and they are talking about some other issues.
So we need to stand up, we need to immobilise, we need to unify, we need to stand up and make our voice herd and this is an Ibadaah; it is an Ibadaah you are doing. You are worshipping Allah by assisting your brothers. And Allah will save it for you, in Dunya and you will be rewarded in Akhira (the Hereafter). And you are going to need it because the Ummah is going through fitan (Trials and Tribulations), each and every one of us is going through fitan. We ask Allah to protect us, to protect our families, and to protect our descendants?Ameen
And It is Only Allah Who grants success. May Allah Exalt th mention of His slave and Messenger Muhammad, and render him, his household and companion safe from Evil.
MUHAMMAD SHARIFF
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May20
IUIU problems:Minister Kiyingi(Ahmadiya) is not a Muslim-says Imam Kasozi
Imam kasozi while distributing Qurans and Islamic books to Northn Uganda.
Let us not stop at lamenting. Let us dig deep and find out who is fighting the IUIU and the Rector. Emerging issues seem to suggest that saboteurs wanted to cut a deal so they fabricated stories many of which are unbelievable.
The onus is on us to exactly discover who is behind this, Isolate them and treat them with the contempt they deserve. The state which has a bigger hand in investigations should try to find out who is doing this malice to the Muslim community.
There are attempts in some section of the community to take this as a Dr. Sengendo affair. Many responsible Muslims have been heard to suggested quick alternative without ever looking at the bigger picture. Let nobody convince you that with their simplistic solutions. Think critically if you belong to this Ummah.
It seems someone is just afraid of the success and he is working with forces of darkness in the community to disorganise the institution. We shall not just look on, we must be part of the solution. I know amongst us there are those with their small problems/issues with Dr. Sengendo as their current or former boss but this should not blind us and we suffered the Greenland experience.
We know for sure that there are many capable Ugandan Muslims to run this institution but Dr. Sengendo has distinguished himself and he is about to retire.
For Minister Kiyingi he needs our prayers to become Muslim again as he disgraced into the Ahmadia version which to the opinion of many Muslims ulamas who sit on the Figh academy, they have been declared non Muslim, so not a sect of Islam as some would like us to believe. Figh academy is the highest intellectual body as well as spiritual institution that handle Islamic Religious matters. Uganda is lucky to be one of those countries represented on this board and our representative is Dr. Anasi Abdunoor Kaliisa.
We appreciate that he is the minister but he must know that the ideals of IUIU are purely Islamic and the core values of this institution attest to that. So in choosing who to sit on this council the core values must be respected.
For mangers of IUIU please highlight this on the admission forms the way Kings College Buddo has done. We all go there know what code of conduct we are expected to adhere to.
Brothers let us concentrate on development and empowering our community UMSC we shall find on the way or it will meet us along the development line.
I travelled to Dokolo on 16th to distribute over 2400 Mosquito Nets to the community there. I would like to thank one brother on this forum who promised to support UMYA projects this year and he has so far deposited over 3,900,000 Uganda shilling. Then I would also applaud the MIA MIA subscribers who have also deposited over 7 millions on the account. We have been able to support Kyaggwe Road Primary school Mosque project, Sekamuli Masjid Water harvesting project, Namawojjolo Islamic Primary school Toilet Project, plus the previous work Houses for Window and Blind Nakayiza in Kazo and Mzee Kigozi inKasambira Mityana North after Busunju.
Immam Kasozi
UMBS FORUMIST
Mawanga Masjid Muslim Community
Box 3999 Kampala.
May18
We thank M7 on IUIU but he should find a better way of consulting Muslims
Dear brothers and sisters.
Assalam Alaykum
A few weeks back, space on this forum was maximally occupied with the debate about the new government appointees to the IUIU council. My point here is not to call back that discussion, as we all had our views appropriately put. Most recently, we have learnt that following the backlash and uproar from the Muslim community that followed those appointments, government reconsidered its position. The disputed people were dropped and replaced by Dr. Rashid Ssemuddu and Dr. Mahmoud Nabalegwa (an IUIU alumnus). Personally I think it fair enough to thank the government for listening and accepting to reconsider its earlier position. I therefore pass my vote of thanks to his Excellency the president and all people in his government who may have played a positive role in this matter. It is sincerely appreciated.
But a related issue which we came to learn in the process is for me the more important and most serious one. IUIU and the current Rector have been smeared with dangerous allegations of treason and terrorism. Details of these allegations are well captured in the media. Reports indicate that our dear president, based on those allegations has asked IUIU Chairman Prof. Omar Nasif, to drop Dr. Sengendo and Dr. Mpeza from the University – sounds like a trade-off for the change of government nominees to the council. Muslims of this country should also demand those allegations be substantiated. If it is true that they are involved in subversive or terrorist activities, let them be arrested and charged, so that we can all know through a court process whether the allegations are true or not – but for now, it appears that government only wants to trade “the terrorists” for a cheap price of dismissing them from their jobs – THIS IS VERY SUSPICIOUS. In all countries of the world, once a person is suspected of terrorism, the first thing is to arrest him, put him inside as investigations go on. Our own terrorists or rebel collaborators for that matter are very unique. The whole world is informed through the media about their covert activities, yet they go about freely!!!
This brings me to those very important questions which Eng. Omar Kalinge asked once on this UMBS forum (Recall – the questions we should ask about IUIU). In that post, Br. Kalinge largely dealt with the view that the two University top officers are faulted for belonging to an opposition political party JEEMA. In fact in recent media reports, the president wants a Rector who belongs to the NRM. This demand by the president corroborates what Kalinge wrote here earlier. Again if it is true that our dear president has demanded this to be done – his advisors should ask him to rethink his position. Gentlemen and Ladies, IUIU is an academic institution – the implication of the presidential demand is that politics will have been directly injected into our University, in terms of taking such high profile decisions. Just like the controversial council members were rejected, THIS MUST BE REJECTED TOO. It is setting a wrong and dangerous precedent for the University. For the sake of argument, if we take it at face value and agree with the president – to replace the opposition leaning Rector and his Vice with those who support the government, what will happen (say in 2016), if the NRM government is replaced by another party? If that new party in government decides to follow the SUNNAH of the NRM, it will mean that IUIU top administration will require to be changed immediately to remove the “NRM opposition” and introduce supporters of the new government. If you do not realize that this is a problem, you don’t have to look far for your answer – the UMSC WRANGLES is the PERFECT answer for you. IUIU will slowly be turned into a field / institution for political patronage!!!
I think those of you who are near the decision makers in this Museveni government should help us and advise the president to find a mechanism of fair consultation on Muslim affairs – sincerely, we do not want to appear to be in arms against government all the time, but there are certain things which government does and one can’t help but fight back!!
I believe some of you know that this government cannot do anything affecting the Catholic interests without the approval of the Catholic church. Let me give just one example to qualify my statement here. Some years back, when Prof. Apollo Nsibambi was Minister of Education, government came up with a policy to phase out most Primary teacher colleges (PTCs) in the country. Almost all the catholic and Anglican church based PTCs were spared. In fact a good number of them were selected and upgraded to what was then called “Core PTCs” and they were earmarked for government funding. Most of the public PTCs and the only two Muslim founded PTCs – Kibuli and Kabukunge, had been lined for phasing out!! Muslims had to “shout” through mosque Kutbah’s and UMYA Ramadhan seminars, before that decision was reconsidered!
I remember in one seminar at Kibuli PTC, Nsibambi was invited, and Haj. Abasi Kiyimba (now Professor) told him face to face, that “if our only two colleges are phased out, we shall always remember that, the decision for their closure was made and implemented at the time when Prof. Nsibambi was the Minister” – with too much “noise” from the Muslims, that decision was rescinded, and in fact Kibuli PTC was then included among the core PTCs.
Honestly the practice of handling Muslim affairs as an after-thought thing is troubling some of us! Why does it have to be done that way? Why does it make sense for government / or the president to consult other constituencies except on matters concerning Muslims? I know that many of our brothers and sisters are well placed in government positions, and are able to make this case to the president, and others responsible for making decisions. We shall appreciate if you could help to streamline that for us.
m.muslim654@gmail.com
May18
FITINA IS TOO MUCH AMONG UGANDA MUSLIMS. WHAT DO WE DO?
FITINA Is too much among Muslims in Uganda. They even want to destroy our UMBS through constant abuses of forum rules and regulations and personal wars on the forum. Before you know it, some will be going to extra levels to discredit the management of UMBS forum and organisation. Are these the times which are referred to in the hadeeth of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), according to which when one of the Sahaabah asked him, “What should I do when there is too much fitnah and division?”, he replied, “Keep away from the people, and sit in your house”? In al-Saheeh, in Kitaab al-Fitan, Baab Kayf al-Haal idha lam yakun khaleefah, there is a hadeeth which says that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told them to withdraw from people when calamities strike, and he said, “… even if you have to bite onto the root of a tree.”
Praise be to Allaah.
In al-Saheehayn and elsewhere – and this version was narrated by al-Bukhaari – it is reported from Abu Idrees al-Khawlaani that he heard Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamaan say: “The people used to ask the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about good things, but I used to ask him about bad things, fearing that I would live to see such things.
I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, we were in a state of ignorance (jaahiliyyah) and evil, then Allaah sent us this good (i.e., Islam). Will there be any evil after this good?’
He said, ‘Yes.’
I said, ‘Will there by any good after that evil?’
He said, ‘Yes, but it will be tainted.’
I said, ‘How will it be tainted?’
He said, ‘(There will be) some people who will guide others in a way that is not according to my guidance. You will approve of some of their deeds and disapprove of others.’
I said, ‘Will there be any evil after that good?’
He said, ‘Yes, there will be people calling at the gates of Hell, and whoever responds to their call, they will throw them into it (the Fire).’
I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, describe them to us.’
He said, ‘They will be from among our people, speaking our language.’
I said, ‘What do you command me to do if I live to see such a thing?’
He said, ‘Adhere to the jamaa’ah (group, community) of the Muslims and their imaam (leader).’
I asked, ‘What if there is no jamaa’ah and no leader?’
He said, ‘Then keep away from all those groups, even if you have to bite (eat) the roots of a tree until death overtakes you whilst you are in that state.’”
The time does not refer to this particular period we are living in; it is a general idea which may refer to any time and place, from the time of the fitnah and rebellion against ‘Uthmaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) at the time of the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them all), onwards.
What is meant by keeping away or withdrawing from people at the time of division is what was mentioned by al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) in al-Fath, narrating from al-Tabari, who said: when the people do not have an imaam (leader) and they split into sects and parties, do not follow any of these groups; keep away from all of them if possible, lest one fall into evil.
So, Muslims should stay away from all the groups fighting for Muslim leadership in Uganda and concentrate on the developmental projects or developing their deen through preaching to others.
When there is a jamaa’ah that is truly following the Straight Path, then you have to join them and help to increase their numbers, and cooperate with them in truth, because in that case this group constitutes the jamaa’ah of the Muslims for that man in that place.
And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions and grant them them peace.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 3/95
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بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ UMBS is a registered organization devoted to matters of interest to Muslims in Uganda.Muslims from other countries are welcome to join us too. Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uganda-Muslim-Brothers-Sisters/128372957263072. Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/UMBSFORUM. To donate to UMBS activities, click on: http://um-bs.com/donate/ or just deposit money on UMBS Bank A/C at Bank of Africa:07074320002 . Join UMBS forum on facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/ugandamuslimbrotherssis/.
May18
UMBS’s Aisha Omar Kabanda Meets Kampala Tycoon, Wavamuno
Sir-Gordon-Wavamunno
I was assigned by UMNet to contact Prof. Wavamunno on the sponsorship of the First National Muslim Conference on the 3rd June 2012. To me it was a moment of coming to terms with what other persons think about the Muslim Conflict in Uganda.
Background: Prof. Wava told me he grew up in a Muslim family and knows every bit of swala and told me he could lead me. He recited Surat Alfatiha to prove his point. Of course because of time I think he had forgotten some verses but he knows something. He added that 25% of his relatives from his paternal side are Muslims but regretted that those Muslims that grew up with them and were raised by his grand pa refer to them as Bakafiiri. He added that some of them have terrible hearts and can easily eliminate one’s being. And to him, this is how some Muslims in Uganda have decided to portray the Deen and themselves which to him get a very bad opinion.
He wondered; what a hell do very rich and very well connect people want in Muslim affairs! Posing the same question I had read on the forum the same day; ‘how come for us we do not indulge ourselves in Namirembe or Rubaga matters!’ He however also recalled he had ever served his church and revealed, ‘I was a member of a seven man’s Board of the Church of Uganda that is so powerful that it can even suck an Arch Bishop but I was there as a servant.’ He added that he resigned when he got disturbed by some tendencies there also.
He added, people with money should help to build other mosques but not to disturb the already running mosques. He said each political head in this country has been coming with his team of leadership of the Muslim Community other than Amin who forced the community together. Someone should have built on Amin’s effort but not to undo all this effort and sale the little he had saved for the Muslim.
He however pointed out that one fundamental issue that must be ironed out is not to make the title of Sheikh requirement for such a Management portfolio adding that this is the same problem with the churches. In his opinions spiritual leadership should be separated from management and that management would require knowledge of the person’s background and experience.
He also wondered why Muslims have so many groups taking people to Mecca! adding that these groups bring in unhealthy completion which is not necessary in matters of faith. They also go to Rome but under the church of Uganda.
He cautioned UMNet to be ready for a much longer Journey of trying to change Muslims attitude to focus on development.
By the way this gentleman has so far received 103 international Awards.Mr Gordon Wavamunno, the owner of the Spear Group of Companies that has subsidiaries like Wavah Broadcasting Services TV (WBS), Spear Motors Limited, GM Tumpeco and Wavah Water has won several awards as far as this country’s business and investment records can reveal.
Amazingly, he says that he did not get his first Shs1m from any of his known establishments. Unlike many youths of this generation who get their first Shs1m off their salaries, Wavamunno made his first Shs1m way back in 1966 but not from a salary.
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بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ UMBS is a registered organization devoted to matters of interest to Muslims in Uganda.Muslims from other countries are welcome to join us too. Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uganda-Muslim-Brothers-Sisters/128372957263072. Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/UMBSFORUM. To donate to UMBS activities, click on: http://um-bs.com/donate/ or just deposit money on UMBS Bank A/C at Bank of Africa:07074320002 . Join UMBS forum on facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/ugandamuslimbrotherssis/.
May14
Ahmadiya or Abahamadiya are nolonger part of the UMSC
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Uganda Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission attended the Kabale Conference in 1971 that was chaired by Idil Amin, and are founder members of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). However, Ahmadiyyas had problems with UMSC in 1974 after translating the Holy Qur’an in Luganda, but tempered with some ayats or verses. As a result, they were outlawed in December 1977 as one of the dangerous sects. They resurfaced in 1979 after the fall of Idi Amin regime. They are never part of the Ummah after the 1974 and 1980 conferences that excommunicated them from the Islamic faith. They can’t therefore be part of UMSC.
Translating the Holy Qur’an into luganda, was pioneered by the late Sheikh ABdullah Ssekimwanyi, as early as 1921, when he pioneered translating Khutuba in Luganda. He was condemned and that was the beginning of Bukoto Nateete Sect which was later registered as Africa Muslim Community Juma Sect Bukoto Nateete, from Uganda Muslim Community Juma and Zukuri Sect Kyaddondo.
In 1982, Majlisul Ullama resolved that Khutubah be translated in Luganda. Bukoto Nateete people were so happy with that victory. By 1974, the first Chief Qadhi of Uganda, Sheikh Abadarazak Matovu had started translating the Holy Qur’an in Luganda, which was completed in early eighties.
It is true even at our place, the Ahmadiyyah Luganda translation was used at our place, but the sheikhs were cautious. Some people on UMBS should pioneer translating the Holy Qur’an to Runyakitara, Luo, Iteso, Lugbara and Kinyarwanda/Kirundi.
Regarding having Al Haji Abdu Nadduli as the Deputy chairman of UMSC, he is my boss as NRM Vice Chairperson in charge of Buganda Region. He is the Chairperson of NRM Buganda Regional Task Force where l am the Executive Secretary. His ganda overdose may contribute to redeem the image of Mufti Mubajje leadership which is seen as anti-Baganda. But if l have not forgotten, Haji Balonde was one of the Mufti Mubajje’s team that was holding talks with the Kibuli group. If he is the one, then we wait for progressive talks for reconciliation and unity.
But the most important thing is power sharing. Please elect only those that are positive with talks. There are those who fear to lose jobs in case Muslims unite. They are both at Old Kampala and at Kibuli. They are like some Amiirs who did not want 2000 election of the Mufti because, they were going to be sidelined. When the Mufti was elected, they opportunistically jumped to his band wagon, and became involved in selling some Muslim property like Muslim Sports Ground near Clock Tower.
Women taking on surnames of their husbands
Islamic ally, if a woman is married to a man, she does not take the man’s name. They instead keep their father’s surname not the husband’s. Secondly, among Baganda, surnames are in accordance with clans and sex. So Aisha Kabanda( a member of UMBS and working in president Museveni’s office) is not expected to be Kabanda, since she is not a man. She is supposed to have a female surname of her clan, probably Nalule, but which may not be of her Mbogo clan, but a name of her paternal grandmother who passed away recently. Inn Lilaahi wa inna ilaihi raj’una.
Ahmed Katerega
May12
UMBS Investment Circle, Have we got what it takes to pull this Off?
Abdulrahim Mbabazi is a UMBS based in Kampala
1.0 Background:
In the last few months/years, we have been in the process of identifying and documenting various opportunities that can be harnessed by the Muslim Ummah in Uganda. Among these opportunities are the Islamic TV, Radio, Schools, and Real Estate business proposals.
The main hindrance ahead of us is to find suitable and sufficient financing for the above and other potential projects (in the Media, Health, Education, Financial services, Trading, Agro-processing, Real Estate and Telecom sectors) has been seed-capital.
Besides, for many Muslims, conventional banks are institutions to be avoided. The Islamic belief does not allow dealings that involve usury or interest (Riba). Yet Muslims need banking services as much as anyone and for many purposes: to finance new business ventures, to buy a house, to buy a car, to facilitate capital investment, to undertake trading activities, and to offer a safe place for savings.
However, Islam encourages Muslims to invest their money and to become partners in order to share profits and risks in the business
This brief serves to explore the feasibility of Communal Equity financing and investment to be used to cater for the unique needs of the Muslim community to achieve self-reliance through mobilization of its own funds.
1.1 How Should We Be Organized?
We will create an investment company (that will be the business arm of Muslim Socio-Economic Intervention).
The investment company will solicit funding from individual and corporate Muslim citizens within Uganda- including well-wishers from abroad.
The Investment company will act as a parent company and will give birth to different subsidiary companies(Industry Specific SBUs) that will be dedicated in exploiting opportunities in their respective sectors of interest (i.e. Ummah Learning, Ummah Islamic Bank, Ummah Health, Ummah Insurance, etc).
Investments should only support practices or products that are not forbidden -or even discouraged- by Islam.
1.2 What Should Drive Us?
We need to draw clear objectives of the investment entity so we can have a clear vision on where we are heading (based on our core priorities & expertise) and what path we are to follow.
1.3 How Do We Expect To Get The Money To Finance Our Projects?
We will have to raise money from the Muslim Population across the country by way of issuing shares. We can encourage the Muslims in Uganda to save 10% of their monthly income and invest it in this “Saving & Investment” group every month.
Trust me, the 10% of each ones income will not change his standard of living in any way but rather it will help him save the money that he would have otherwise spent on consumption expenditure instead of investment expenditure- which the group will do on behalf.
1.4 How will the SHARE CAPITAL APPROACH be rolled out?
Rather than relying on a limited number of institutional investors, Ummah Investment Group will sell shares as widely as possible–to its employees, clients, and other individuals inside and outside of Uganda. Each share could be sold for as low as 2,000/= to make it affordable for even the rural Muslims.
Here, potential Muslim investors will be invited to buy shares in the entity as opposed to soliciting Sadaqa(Alms)- which Sadaqa finances may not easily be obtained due to the inherent problems (particularity lack of interest) associated with non-quid-proquo fundraising drives.
1.5 What Could Be The Advantages Of This Approach As Opposed To The Sadaqa Approach?
a) Own internal resource mobilization will make the Muslim Community independent of government and donor funding in the long term.
b) Gives a chance to Muslims to participate in the development of Islam (through projects like Islamic schools, hospitals, mass-media projects, etc) and at the same time earn a return from their contribution/investment.
c) This approach easily appeals to both those who have attained spiritual maturity (as regards Alms-giving is concerned) and those that have not (who want to invest rather than give Sadaqa).
d) There is a strong emphasis of accountability as this would operate on a purely business foundation. This is very important especially now that Muslims have lost trust in their leaders.
e) Financial security- given that the shareholder will earn a dividend for as long as the company exists and turns a profit. This provides an alternative of Riba-free investment unlike the stock-exchange option where all the companies listed also use interest-based-loans; which are not accepted in Islam
1.6 Has This Model Been Successfully Tested In Uganda?
Yes, the catholic community used the same model and has successfully built Centenary Bank- one of the most profitable and biggest financial institutions in Uganda.
1.7 What Steps Should We Follow In Rolling Out This Option?
1. Identify projects of interest: say a primary school with an estimated cost of 300,000,000/=
2. Split the required capital into say 150,000 shares with each share costing 2,000/=. This is meant to make it affordable for most Muslims to buy a share in the entity
3. invite Muslims to buy shares allover Uganda through mosque committees and Islamic institutions both in Kampala and upcountry and bank the money on the company’s account(accounts to be opened in 2 Banks with the biggest number of branch across the country)
4. Use Posters and project brochures to create awareness about the project and have a hotline to answer the possible queries of the potential investors (those to buy the shares). Posters and Brochures will be displayed and distributed at all participating mosques and Islamic institutions.
5. The major coordination work to be centrally handled at the Ummah Investment Group head office in Kampala with upcountry coordination centres based at main mosques or other Islamic institutions like schools and hospitals.
1.8 Requirements Of A Shareholder:
Shareholders must be individual that profess following the Islamic creed
1.9 Launch Period:
Preferably during Ramadhan where Imaan has peaked and immediate response can be obtained.
2.0 How Do We Rollout The Message?
a) The team will prepare an Islamic Self-Financing-self-Sustaining project presentation with an emphasis on its socio-economic benefits especially to the Islamic community. Caution should be taken to ensure that a consistently clear message should be conveyed in all forums used.
b) Team members will present a authorized (similar) presentation (or Standard Operation Procedure Manual) to the different stakeholders and potential investors in different forums.
2.1 Who Will Spread The Message in the Different Locations In Uganda?
Key sheikhs, Muslim Leaders, or reputable Muslims in different calibers will be sought and identified in all the target districts in Uganda. The identified persons will be approached, and presented with the project details (including objectives, operational issues, planned projects, expected social and economic benefits, etc).
Once this person is convinced of the benefits of the project and assured of the safety of the funds and return for the people we want him to convince to buy share-holding, we will ask him to act as our coordinator in that particular area.
Given the sensitivity and importance of the responsibility, we will insist that only people of high integrity and a reputation for trust will be appointed to spearhead our activities in their respective districts or Islamic institutions.
The appointed members of society will make presentations about the initiative and direct their peers on how to become part of this cause- clearly answering all the questions that may be asked by potential investors and clear doubts that may exist in their minds. He will also be in charge of the registration process, filing and forwarding the same to HQ.
It should be noted however, he will not be authorized to handle cash on the behalf of the organizations. All the money will be banked and photo copies of bank slips given to him for filing. A token of appreciation (based on performance) maybe decided whenever necessary.
2.2 How Shall The Money Be Collected?
(i) Ordinary Members:
a) The organization will open an account with atleast two (2) reputable banks with branches covering the whole country
b) Membership forms will be distributed to all participating Mosques and Islamic Institutions.
c) An intending share-holding buyer will deposit money (equivalent to the number of shares he intends to buy) on the organisation’s bank account.
d) The bank will issue him a bank-slip which he will take to any nearby participating mosque or Islamic institution- where he will be given a form. He/she will fill in his details (including his next of kin) in the form and attach the bank slip.
e) The forms will be taken to the head office in Kampala where the bank slip will be scrutinized for authenticity and thereafter a share certificate(with a unique membership number) issued.
(ii) Corporate Members (Well-Placed Muslims)
a) These are Muslims in powerful positions in Government, NGOs, MNCs and reputable members of the business community. Given their positions of responsibility, though with the capability and willingness to invest, they may for one reason or another be unable to follow the above mentioned procedures.
b) Preferential treatment may be explored to enlist them given their busy schedules.
c) A team of reputable Muslim members (preferably of similar stature to those to be approached) with an impeachable record of integrity and trust will be formulated to approach this category of people
d) Each team member will be assigned a list of potential people he will approach (preferably those from the same social class or profession) and will be responsible for explaining all issues regarding the project and its operations to the respective potential Muslim investors.
e) The team member shall follow-up with the people he has approached and his task will be assumed concluded on the potential member completion of all the steps of registration as explained above (in the case of ordinary member)
(iii) Corporate Members (Institutions and Artificial Persons):
a) A list of potential Civil oganisation investors (e.g. AMA, WAMY, MSAU, etc) will be generated
b) Letters, emails will be sent to them and physical meetings arranged.
c) Appointments with key decision makers in the target organizations will be arranged to answer any possible questions and discuss the way forward regarding the corporate entity’s interest and intention to purchase shares in the project.
2.3 How Will Those Who Insist On Giving Sadaqa As Opposed To Buying Shares Be Treated?
Its should be observed that, the investment company is a purely profit driven entity and therefore, all moneys received by the entity will be treated as shareholding.
This is meant to avoid a scenario where a shareholder will earn a right to a return on Sadaqa if Sadaqa is just received, put into the company’s pool of resources without allocating it to a particular beneficiary.
Ideally, the reason for not treating pure sadaqa, as is, is to prevent its benefits accruing to Sadaqa being shared by shareholders- thereby sharing on what they did not contribute.
Therefore, in cases where an individual insists on giving Sadaqa, his contribution will be treated as shareholding and the ownership of this shareholding will be attached to Ummah Investment Groups’s social services arm or allocated to one of the Member NGOs like say MSAU, and the proceeds (dividends) used by the respective NGO on social-oriented projects like schools, Daawa, hospitals and the like.
What do we need to do to be Sustainable?
There are five tenets of sustainability:
Self-reliance: mobilize our own resources;
Viability: cover our costs from the margin;
Financial self-sufficiency: be profitable and preserve the value of our resources;
Outreach: broaden our services for the poor;
Impact: help the poor to help themselves.
Priority Investment Areas:
a) Media (Islamic TV & Radio)
b) Education (Esp. Business/Vocational Skills Training)
For the poor to become a successful micro-entrepreneur s/he needs more than simply access to financial services: the promotion of health education and relevant literacy and vocational training programs are dearly needed
c) Financial Services (Islamic Microfinance & Insurance Entities)
Financial services to be offered will comprise (micro-) savings and (micro-) credit as well as other financial services such as (micro-) insurance, (micro-) leasing and transfer services.
d) Health Services
This could be in the areas of Pharmaceuticals(Drug Supply) and medical consultancy(Clinic Format) at affordable rates
N.B: Pharmaceuticals is one the most profitable industries in the world
e) Etc (as may be decided by the Directors)
What do we need to do now to make the Idea a Reality?
Come up with a steering/Promotion committee
Brain storm on the Operational plan of the Investment Group
Come up with the Business/Strategic Plan
Register the Company
Open Bank Accounts
Promote the Investment Idea and sell share
Hire Management & Prepare Business Plans for the SBU Identifies(e.g. Business Training School, Islamic Microfinance, Insurance, Ummah TV, etc)
Start Business Operations
Brain Storming Team:
Whoever is interested in making things work this time round
Proposed Meeting Place: Kibuli TTC
Million Dollar Question????????????
Has UMBS got members with the skills, experience and most important, the GUTS to fine-tune this idea and ultimately pull it off?
May12
Official list of the UMSC New General Assembly Members
May11
REQUEST FOR CAPITAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR “ASHATWIR ISLAMIC CENTRE” IN MBUKIRO
ASHATHWIR ISLAMIC CENTRE,
MBUKIRO, KAMULI, KIKAMULO,
NAKASEKE DISTRICT, UGANDA.
P.O.BOX 8797 KAMPALA.
Tel;256-392-945093,
10th May, 2012
Dear Madam,
Kindly allow me introduce to you the above mentioned centre in the subject matter. The creator has used me and the local community of Mbukiro village to spearhead the promotion of the said Islamic centre having come to establish that the whole village was lacking a mosque. And the mosques in nearby villages had been built a longtime ago; and consequently were lacking in many aspects to fulfill the needs of a modern vibrant ever growing and glowing Muslim community.
Ashathwir Islamic Centre was conceived to provide a place in the village set up that is devoted to prayer and reflection; by providing a peaceful atmosphere for all who seek Islamic spiritual refreshment. It is also intended to be a place of peace, love and support for private retreat away from the stress of urban worldly pleasures and pressures.
Ashatwir Islamic centre has already acquired 3 acres of land at Mbukiro which will accommodate a mosque (Masjid Shathwir), a parking lot of around 50-100 cars, a VIP latrine facility, a small conference room for about 15-25 persons attached to an office space, accommodation for about 20-30 Guests, and a graveyard .The centre will mainly be occupied by regular activities related to prayers, Islamic poetry in praise of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W; and praising and or thanking of Allah through prescribed verses in the Quran and other Islamic literature.
The centre will be a source of: fulfilling-well designed Islamic events that will be put on an annual calendar, Islamic resources and publications, Islamic training and community development and self-help initiatives.
We believe this centre should be supported by you all not only for the rewards from Allah but also because of its resultant net development effects it is likely to create in the area. Apart from the direct magnificent building structures in the area that are already providing some little employment in the village through masonry work, fetching water, and feeding the builders, the centre is going to be a source of inspiration to the village communities around it.
Mufti Kayongo lays the foundation stone
Ashathwir Islamic Centre is going to increase vehicle traffic not only to Mbukiro but to also the villages along the way to Mbukiro. This traffic will be a source of market for the community produce that can be bought and taken along in the vehicles. Secondly there is going to be an increase in the demand of the food items during the times of events or retreats. Thirdly the centre will be a source of some employment for cook(s), cleaner(s), house keeping, and catering. The conference room is likely to be used for poverty alleviation and adult training as and when it is not being used commercially.
The foundation stone of the mosque of the centre has already been laid down by the Supreme Mufti of Uganda; Sheikh Zubair Kayongo on Wednesday the 2nd of May, 2012 and construction immediately commenced.
Please find attached the proposed architectural designs of Ashathwir Islamic Centre and the current project budget.
We are hoping for your timely support; and we shall be very grateful. May the Almighty Allah bless you and your endeavours.
Yours faithfully,
Moses C.K. Semuwemba
PROJECT CHAIRMAN/COORDINATOR
ESTIMATED BUDGET FOR THE PROPOSED ASHATHWIR ISLAMIC CENTRE
ARCHITECTURAL PLANS(1) FOR ASHATHWIR ISLAMIC CENTRE PROJECT
May5
Celebrity Musician Omulangila Suuna embraced Islam Yesterday
ALLAHU AKBAR.
Allah guides Whom He wills. One of Uganda’s most talented morally upright musician a.k ‘OS’, Omulangira Suuna embraced Islam yesterday in one of the masjids in Kampala.
Having been born on 25th December, he was named Emmanuel, but after a lifetime quest for the truth of the Almighty and comparing between the available faiths, islam passed the test and he has joined the ranks of other Ugandan and international celebrities who have embraced Islam over the years and among them is Mike Tyson,Muhammad Ali,Micheal Jackson,Basta Rymes,Ice Cube,Loon, Frank Rebery, the list is endless.
Unlike Jose Chameleon, Omulangira Suuna now Abdulshakur,has vowed to die a Muslim mentioning how Islam is bigger than everything including his life,soul and wife. Luckily, his wife is a Muslim and she has played a lot in helping him discover the truth which he has admired all his life having lived and worked with many of his Muslim friends.
Now what all Muslims are asking is:
WHAT NEXT FOR OS SUUNA NOW ? IS HE GOING TO LEAVE SINGING?
This is not the first priority or obligation for any new Muslim. His task,obligation and duty is to study Islam. As a new Muslim, he is not forced to dump his singing proffesion without first learning why he should. This will take him time since he is a new born in Islam. We should not feed him with cassave yet his stage is breast milk.
All Islamic scholars teach us that a convert’s first duty is to study and learn, if his livelihood is a haram one in which he has invested his money, he should not dump it immediately thereby causing him financial loss, he should run it to a stage where he can harvest his money at the best profits.
Islam should not be a reason for any financial loss to him but a benefit. Before one continues to ask about singing, We Muslims who have listened to hundreds of Khutubas still enjoy Music,listen to it and even praise Muslim Singers,so we should correct our errors before we peep into other people errors
ALI KYESWA
UMBS member in Kampala
Apr30
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR NCHE INTERGRITY,KASOZI, IS QUESTIONABLE
The weekly observer of 27th April 2012 quoted the Executive Director of N.C.H.E Prof A.B.K Kasozi pleading to his line Minister of Education to prevail over the Minister of Foreign Affairs to withdraw two (Prof. Mukwanason and Balunywa) government Appointees. I wish to observe that the celebrated Professor from the University of California at Santa Cruz is in a much more competent position to advice on academic matters. His wealth of knowledge and experience attained from Makerere University, Islamic University and University of Khartoum where he settled after languishing on the same streets while in exile no doubt makes him a credible person to advise.
What makes Prof Kasozis’ comment’s unfortunate, diversionary and perhaps ill-motivated is the fact that before he became the Executive Director of NCHE, he was the Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) at IUIU from 1995-2002. Kasozi as a person was deeply entrenched in tribal wars at the same University, character assassinating fellow professors at the expense of entrenching his tribe’s men; in his character assassination he said “This document is a minute for my private use, am speaking aloud on a serious problem”. On 19th September 1997, he wrote a dossier pleading to Prof Mahdi Adam not to appoint Prof Sengo, the same Kasozi recommended Dr. Sengendo for Vice Rector ship to Prof. Mahdi Adam. Kasozi,s appointment as a Vice Rector was politically and mathematically orchestrated by one of the out going members of the University council ,isn’t he pleading to those who originally recommended his name to the council for vice rector ship? Kasozi himself knows the circumstances under which he became the Executive Director. One may therefore, be tempted to argue that Kasozi has personal reasons than those of NCHE. Talking to one of the council members of KIU he ignorantly while in Dar es Salaam undermined KIU yet he had previously accredited it. Could he be the rightful person to advise and head NCHE? The same NCHE directed by Kasozi has been clearing M.P contestants who are finally thrown out because of fogged and inadequate qualifications by the courts of law, is this manifestation of his competence as Executive Director?
Prof Kasozi as a custodian of quality assurance should re-acquaint himself to the quality assurance frame work (2008) and institutional capacity indicators for Universities which upholds that 60 % of the University staff should be PhD and 70 % Masters holders, the fact that IUIU has experienced a massive exodus of the mentioned, Kasozi as the ED would be much occupied with such un acceptable and serious academic problem than the composition of University council (Article 3.2.3 of NCHE quality assurance framework). Actually Kasozi should be getting more concerned with core questions of quality assurance such as: what explains the massive exodus of PhD holders away from IUIU? Why is the University dominated with teaching Assistants? How can a University exist without Professors? Why has the Rector remained a doctor for over 20 years without transcending to Professorship?
Those of us reading this article should not lose sight of the fact that Prof. Kasozis’ two biological Sons (Issa Kawalya-now iuiu lecturer and Senteza Yusuf) benefited from the staff development program of the Masters Scholarships to Indonesia without meeting the requirements of serving for 2-3 years at the university. In the same line of argument I wish to ask the following questions: Did Kasozi continue earning a salary from IUIU even when he got a job with NCHE? Hasn’t he been recently accused of employing his relatives at NCHE? Did he ably account for the money given to him on Environmental Impact Assessment while at IUIU? Isn’t Kasozi fighting tribal wars since he is a celebrated Prof. of Buganda history? Do we expect fair comments from such a person who has previously been part of the bigger IUIU problem? Should we assume that he is acting professionally as Executive Director of NCHE or as a former IUIU vice Rector who dinned with the current IUIU Leadership? Isn’t Kasozi trying to block more details from coming up once Balunywa and Prof Hyha are appointed?. I implore the concerned authorities to deeply investigate Kasozis relations with some of the IUIU officials, they should re-think his views and comments about Prof Hyha and Balunywa, They should not only look at Kasozi as the Executive Director, although it appears to be the spirit with in which he writes, they should also look at him as a former major actor of IUIU
BY SHAFIQUE SABILA FORMER GUILD PRESIDENT IUIU
Apr28
Something for Muslims fighting in Uganda to think about?
WHAT IS PEACE??????????????
There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king looked at all the pictures. But there were only two he really liked, and he had to choose between them.
One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.
The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.
But when the king looked closely, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest – in perfect peace.
Which picture do you think won the prize? The king chose the second picture. Do you know why?
“Because,” explained the king, “peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace.”
Apr28
Why we should all eat and grow Avocados in our gardens in Uganda!!!
Amazing Health Benefits of ” Avocados “( OVAKEDO)
Avocados are rich in vitamins A, C, and E and are full of other nutrients like potassium. They contain folate, monosaturated fats and Antioxidants. Regular consumption of avocados helps us in many ways.
1 ) Cancer : Avocados have numerous phytonutrients which not only prevent Prostate Cancer but also repair the damaged cells. It also reduces the risk of Oral Cancer.
Many studies have shown that avocado can inhibit the growth of cancerous cells without damaging the healthy cells. The oleic acid (also found in olive oil) in this fruit is effective in preventing Breast Cancer.
2 ) Avocado also lowers the triglycerides in the blood and thus is useful for Diabetic patients.
3 ) Being rich in Antioxidants, avocado is helpful in preventing ageing symptoms. The glutathione in avocado boosts Ä°mmune Systems, slows the aging process, and encourages a healthy
Nervous System.
4 ) The mono-saturated fats in avocados not only help in reducing LDL cholesterol but are also good for the heart.
5 ) Avocado contains 30% more Potassium than banana. The High Potassium content helps in regulating Blood Pressure and prevents Circulatory diseases.
6 ) Avocados are good for Pregnant Women since the high folate content in them helps in the development of brain and other tissues of the baby. The B6 vitamin in these fruits may help in reducing nausea that is associated with pregnancy.
7 )Avocados have more of the carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and Cataracts, two disabling age-related Eye Diseases.
8 ) The nutrients and enzymes in avocado soothes the condition of inflamed mucous lining in the stomach and small intestines. It also improves the body’s ability to absorb carotenoids and nutrients.
9 ) Research has found that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado. In one study, when participants ate a salad containing avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes lycopene and beta carotene) than those who didn’t include avocados.
10 ) It is a powerhouse of vitamin E which protects our Skin from free radicals.
11 ) Avocado is very effective in stopping Bad Breath.
Apr28
A Committe should be formed to sort out the IUIU problems
Dear Muslim brothers and Sisters,
Assalamu alaikum. I did not want to get involved in the IUIU debate because I don’t know much about it( apart from what i read here and receive privately) but the posting linking IUIU to ADF rebels headed by Jamiru Mukulu is eye catching and worrying. What we must know is that whenever a Muslim starts making progress in something, it raises eyebrows anywhere in the world. So, we must be careful on how we handle the IUIU issue. President Museveni might have helped to see that IUIU is established for reasons best known to him at that time because he is a politician, but I have got a feeling that his mind has been poisoned by the ‘enemies’ of Islam, and wants to see this university going down in the drain. For instance, it is alleged that the Hamas is a creation of Israel’s intelligence system at the time they were fighting Yasser Arafat’s Fatah Movement for National Liberation. The Hamas guys used the funding they reportedly got from the Israelis and their Arab supporters to set up orphanages and health clinics, an Islamic University in Gaza, as well as a network of schools, and workshops. But time came when the Israelis had to turn their guns on Hamas because of the way they had organized their communities in Palestine and rendered Arafat’s PLO more or less useless.
Similarly, IUIU is progressing, and some Muslims have also started organizing themselves under different umbrellas, and this must have caught the attention of their enemies, i suppose. As noted recently by some observers on this forum, something should be done and very fast to make sure that IUIU is not conspicuously closed like Kiggundu’s Greenland Bank.
By the way, I still don’t think that it will come to this but there are several ways of slaughtering a goat or in this case- weakening an institution, and one of them is ill propaganda against it. There has been a systematic media campaign against IUIU such that I sometimes don’t understand why Muslims feel the need to run their misunderstandings in newspapers anymore instead of joining simple Local groups or Muslim forums, such as UMBS, to express themselves and sort it out with fellow Muslims.
So, one of the first things we should do before we even think of meeting president Museveni is to stop sending articles to newspapers in Uganda about Muslim affairs. The doctrine of propaganda against fellow Muslims and Islamic institutions must end. We are only embarrassing ourselves if we keep sending articles about our CVs and ‘defence’ to national newspapers. Muslims in Uganda should be better equipped, better trained, better organized, better disciplined and have a more unified spirit of resistance to outside interference.
I invited Prof. Hyuha Mukwanason to the forum such that we ‘fight’ within instead of running to newspapers but he told me that he will join later on. I also invited Brother-General Moses Ali to join us here but I’m yet to get a response from him. Anyway, apart from Mr. Kiyingi Asuman, the rest of the people i invited and involved in this saga are well represented here on UMBS. Dr. Ssengendo, his secretary and publicist secretary are all members of UMBS and President Museveni’s aides are here in abundance. So, let’s find a way forward without running to news persons.
If some people are afraid of expressing themselves freely on UMBS, let us form a committee of responsible people in Kampala to meet them to sort out all the misunderstandings. This very committee will present its findings and recommendations to the president. They will also be responsible for ensuring that the propaganda linking IUIU to ADF is stopped by the government. This propaganda alone is capable of killing that institution before it is even closed. Parents will be afraid of taking their kids there to study yet Dr.Ssengendo is on record saying that 70% of their funding comes from students fees/tuition. This ADF propaganda will lead to the start of arrest of some Muslims by the security agencies- in the name of fighting rebels or terrorism. So, we must find a way of nicking it in the bud before some people take advantage of it.
Fortunately, the stifling of expression and dialogue on UMBS forums may be in its final days as all members now know what is acceptable and what is not. We have got rules and guidelines to help us keep sanity in our debates on the link below:
http://um-bs.com/about-umbs/
It is very difficult and arduous to create and sustain an institution such as IUIU, and this is the reason why we should always be grateful to OIC and Dr. Ahmed Ssengendo and his team for whatever they have done – but history shows that closing one down is much simpler. So, if there is a problem somewhere as I have been privately made to understand, then that problem must be amicably solved even if it means getting a new team in to sort things out. I’m sure Dr. Ssengendo loves IUIU’s sustainability more than any of us here, and I’m sure if the right person can be found to carry this institution forward, he will have no problem being replaced.We should not be afraid of changes if the intentions are good and justifiable.
A morally acceptable approach to solving this IUIU sage will resolve this conundrum, ending the conflict in a way that keeps faith with the right people chosen by ordinary Uganda Muslims to administer or manage IUIU affairs, not every Tom and Dick.
So, may I suggest the following names as part of the committee to solve the IUIU crisis and do the roles some members may suggest on this forum:
1. Engineer Badru Kiggundu( Chairman EC). He is a member of UMBS and a silent contributor but he has got Muslim interests at heart
2. Mrs. Namayanja Kiwanuka
3. Prince Kasimu Nakibinje( I have got his phone but not his email address. So, someone should help us forward this to him)
4. Mr. Omar Kalinge Nyango
5. Hajji B.M. Kibirige( he is a silent member of UMBS)
6. Mr. Salim Makeera( our lawyer. May be handy as the committee secretary to advice on legal issues)
7. Sheikh Kiiza Kasule( Imam Wandegeya Mosque)
8. Hajji Abasi Kawaase Mukasa
9. E.T.C
Please don’t include newsmen and women in your affairs. You will give them headlines and this is what I hate. Whatever committee is formed, let them set a date to meet and set their agenda, aims and objectives, rationale, methodology , e.t.c. We wouldn’t mind them reporting back to us after achieving success. They should forget about Kibuli-Old Kampala politics for now and work as a team. Good luck because they gonna need it inishallah.
Byebyo ebyange
Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba
abbeysemuwemba@yahoo.co.uk
CONCERNED MUSLIM BROTHER
UNITED KINGDOM
Apr28
Muslim war on Museveni
Kibuli-based faction head, Sheikh Zubair Kayongo (R) and Prince Kassim Nakibinge L) during prayers at Kibuli mosque yesterday.
Speaker after speaker told of how Museveni’s continued meddling in Muslims’ affairs has greatly divided their community.
“I have seen several governments in this country, but none beats Museveni in harassing Muslims.
He should receive a medal for that,” Sheikh Nuh Muzaata Batte, head of Dawa (chief preacher) in the Kibuli-based faction, said amidst applause from hundreds of followers that thronged Kibuli for afternoon prayers. Muslims had gathered to chart the way forward ahead of elections called by the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubajje faction, which start today.
The Kibuli-based faction, led by Sheikh Zubair Kayongo, is opposed to the elections, saying they are an illegality since they are not sanctioned by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council constitution, which was supposed to be reviewed in 2005. The elections at mosque level are intended to fill the 110 seats of the General Assembly. Yesterday, the Kibuli faction barred associated mosques around the country from the elections.
President Museveni, however, was understood to have legitimised the elections by siding with Mubajje on the exercise and directing the police to provide security for participants. The Kibuli faction is aggrieved. To them, Museveni is going against the spirit of their gentleman’s agreement.
“We have met Museveni on seven occasions. On one of them, he pledged to help sort out the leadership wrangles, but only after his election in 2011. But what has he done instead? [He has] sided with Mubajje, the thief!” charged Mohammed Kisambira, the faction’s secretary general.
Fearless
“You should stop intimidating us. You can only jail or kill us,” the burly Muzaata bellowed, as barbs continued raining at Museveni.
“I urge all you Muslims to be firm. We are ready to die. I am going to inform you of the day and time we shall storm Old Kampala. You should be ready. They will kill some of us, but others will continue with the struggle,” Muzaata charged, as the worshipers chorused,
“Allah Akbar!” (God is great).
About three yards away, Prince Kassim Nakibinge, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Kawempe South MP, Latif Ssebaggala, and other dignitaries listened quietly, occasionally breaking into a smirk, possibly out of admiration for the fearless Muzaata. Not yet done, Muzaata further charged that there is overwhelming proof that Museveni and his government have marginalised and impoverished the Muslim community.
“They have taken everything, and we still think they are our friends? What more should they do to prove that they are our enemies? You should stop participating in any government programmes. Museveni has fooled us for far too long. To him, there is no lesser person in this world than a Muslim,” Muzaata said.
By this time, the gathering was already charged, only waiting for a spark. And they did not have to wait for long. Sheikh Hassan Kirya, the Kibuli faction publicist, asked them to stand up to prove that they are not lame. They did, and never sat again. Shouting on top of their voices, the worshipers said they were only waiting for a go ahead to storm Old Kampala, the seat of the Mubajje faction.
Anxiety filled the air. The leaders engaged in some pep talk. The charged crowed waited with bated breath. At 3:20pm, it was announced that the march to Old Kampala was on. And down they went, descending Kibuli hill and marching towards Nsambya and onto Clock Tower, where Police’s riot squad intervened before the situation went out of hand.
At Old Kampala, Military Police had already surrounded the mosque, firing live bullets in the air, while riot police hurled canisters of teargas. The number of Muslims arrested could not be readily verified. Back in Kibuli, another sheikh, Umar Sudiq Ndaula, also blamed Museveni for the woes in the Muslim community.
“Behind all of this is no one, but the government. There is no one responsible but this government. I want to assure you that Museveni and all his people are the ones behind all of this. We were one community, but this government connived with Mubajje to change the titles to our land,” Ndaula said.
He urged Muslims to stop engaging Museveni. “Let him talk to Mubajje!”
Luweero district chairperson, Abdul Nadduli, was also added to the enemy list for telling Museveni during a State House meeting that the Kibuli faction is led by rebels. Perhaps Nadduli’s most unforgivable crime in the eyes of the Kibuli community was to say that Prince Nakibinge should be questioned for selling the entire Kibuli hill. Nakibinge, heir to Prince Badru Kakungulu, is revered in the Muslim community, where he is fondly referred to as the grandfather of Islam in Uganda. Nadduli, however, distanced himself from the accusations.
“I am not the custodian of the Kibuli land titles,” he told The Observer.
Genesis
Back in 2006, a group of Muslims dragged Mubajje to court, accusing him of fraudulently disposing of Muslim property to businessmen Hassan Basajjabalaba and Drake Lubega. The properties included three plots: two on William Street and another at Old Kampala. Although a commission of inquiry had been set up prior to the court action, its work was frustrated.
The Chief Magistrate’s court at Buganda Road acquitted Mubajje of theft charges but accused him of lying to the Muslim community. His accusers had wanted him convicted of theft and punished. Since then, they have been opposed to his leadership, saying he is no longer fit to be Mufti. A parallel leadership was set up in Kibuli led by Kayongo, who was enthroned as Supreme Mufti.
hbogere@observer.ug
SOURCE: http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18447:muskim-war-on-museveni&catid=78:topstories&Itemid=116
Apr27
Poor attendance of Elections is a big blow to Mubajje who has broken all the promises he made!
Assalamu alaikum,
Old Kampala and Kibuli have no other differences other than leadership. They all hold last funeral rights, Mauled, tahalil and tarakain, etc…So they are easy to reconcile. So the President should ensure that constitutional and electoral reforms are done and an acceptable Electoral Commission is put in place.
According to our New vision correspondents, about 800 Muslims attended juma prayer at Old Kampala national mosque. Registered voters are about 240. Only 45 voted. In the rest of Kampala, it was a total black out, the same with Masaka, with an exception of Rakai, Butambala, Kabasanda and Bugiobango.
It is only in Mayuge and Bugiri in Busoga, that there was reasonable participation where even Shias or Shites and non Muslims including drunkards, participated in some isolated areas. We have details in Bukedde tomorrow.
The President has today met only Kibuli group and all the details will be in Saturday Bukedde and Saturday Vision. The gist is that the president has said that he will weigh the turnout of today’s election to know how heavy Mufti Mubajje is. He however cautioned Kibuli not to block Old Kampala supporters from voting, which was poorly concluded yesterday any way.
UMSC constitution was made in 1972 and amended in 1986 not in 1971, just for record purposes. In the sixties we had NAAM, which, despite it good intentions, was an imposition to Ugandan Muslims but the illegitimate government of Obote l dictatorship that had abolished the 1962 Independence constitution during 1966-7 crisis.
In the eighties, there was application of force during Mulumba-Kamulegeya wrangles and we had thought that it had stopped. Now the most popular Shaban mubajje is protected by police from not being harmed by his Muslim flock. Mukama atusaasire.
Uganda Muslim Supreme Council must be for all Muslims in Uganda. They are all stakeholders. But now the clique at Old Kampala, just like the previous cliques, wants to use a winner take all strategy, to entrench themselves at the expense of others. When we ask for constitutional and electoral reforms they don’t listen. When Mubajje was politically campaigning for the post of Mufti, my sister Mariam Nakalema was his press woman. They moved the whole country and he was interested in referring to him as Mbale District Qadhi of all factions. He promised to do away with a Mufti leading up to the age of 75 years. He wanted a five year term, and a limit of two terms.
Upon election, he set up a constitutional review commission that never worked. In 2005, l came from United States and found him organizing a dinner for Muslims. l asked him to ensure that election of Muslim Council take place if UMSC was to get legitimacy and credibility it deserved. l had heard rumors that they were going to postpone themselves.Indeed they postponed themselves which was not even catered for in the constitution.It was during that illegitimate period that they started selling Muslim property.
Mubajje is not the only one that has tried to be Mufti for life. The framers of the constitution wanted it that way, but the late Sheikh Abadarazak Matovu lasted as Chief Qadfi for only two years. His successor the late Sheikh Suleiman Yusuf Matovu was also quietly removed by the late Idi Amin Dada.
By the way, the first UMSC administration was implicated in corruption. Amin did not convene a General Assembly. He just sacked them. When they resisted, he deployed military police and some of them escaped through windows. He named Suleiman Yusuf Matovu Mufti.
After the fall of Idi Amin regime, UNLF did not want to do with UMSC.
It’s military commission chairperson, Paulo Muwanga, went to Kibuli and told Prince Kakungulu Badru to head Muslims. Kakungulu declined saying that Muslims formed UMSC. He appointed Kassim Mulumba as Acting Chief Qadhi. But other groups like Africa Muslim Community Bukoto Nateete and Juma and Zukuri Sect were revived. Those are the owners of traditional mosques throughout the country. Majority of mosques in Bugisu belong to Bukoto Nateete.
Mulumba, who was a stooge of Paulo Muwanga, fell out with Kibuli and they named Sheikh Kivumbi Chief Qadhi. That was in 1980. Then in 1981, Kibuli named Kamulegeya Chief Qadhi. The Muslim World League came in through Kasamullah mubarak Zaid.
Mubarak Zaid deal of 1982 was short leaved, when Mulumba resigned and was replaced by Kamulegeya. Then he wanted to return and he could not. He waited for the okellos coup and made his own coup. Then NRM/NRA came in, and the two were reconciled in Mecca which paved way for an interim administration.
Elections were held and Luwemba was denied victory. He mobilized other Muslim sects and factions and they formed Uganda joint Council of Muslim Organizations under the late Sheikh Zaid Mugenyiasooka, to replace UMSC. He appointed the then chief Qadhi, Sheik Rajab Kakooza, his Secretary General.That is why in 1991, it was Mugenyiasooka that presided over the swearing in of Luwemba.
We should also remember the Mbarara conference of 1993. Prior to it, OIC and Muslim World League intervened and all Muslim stake holders were involved.
Since Mubajje has not changed UMSC for better but for worse, and since he has not been different from past leaders, it is high time we do away with UMSC. MUBAJJE, WHO DOES NOT WANT TO MAKE REFORMS AND ACCOMODATE OTHERS, and who do not want accountability and transparency, should form his own organization. He should not base at Old Kampala because that is property of all Muslims. Then we shall start afresh.
But practically, we can borrow from how our colleagues in Kenya and Tanzania do. In Kenya, there is a Muslim Supreme Council of Kenya under a chairperson. In Tanzania they have a similar organization. In Kenya, a Chief Qadhi is at a level of a High Court Judge and is appointed by Judicial Service Commission in consultation with the Supreme Council of Kenya. There are also District Qadhis appointed in the same way. He is both a spiritual and judicial leader. This is because under Kenya constitution, Qadhis courts are catered for to deal with marriage, divorce and inheritance.
Even under our own constitution, Qadhis courts are catered for. But there is not yet a law for operationalising them. We should have a Chief Qadhi at a level of a High Court Judge. We should have have Regional Qadhis and District Qadhis, all appointed by Judicial Service Commission in consultation with UMSC or a similar body. These are supposed to be graduates of secular law and shariah.
We should remember that prior to 2000 elections, Mubajje was advocating for four Regional Chief Qadhis. He wanted to be in charge of the east. He abandoned it upon becoming Mufti. We had Regional Qadhis in 1972 and Sheikh Zaid Mugenyiasooka was Regiona Qadhi Buganda Region. Busoga should have one, then Eastern one, Western , Southern, Northern and West Nile. Karamoja may be part of Northern or part of Eastern or even it may link up with Teso to have North Eastern.
The Mufti should be only a spiritual leader as Sheikh Shwaib Ssemakula and Sheikh Abdarazak Matovu were. We should avoid another Mufti being taken to court for criminal charges as it was the case with Mubajje. Fonder organizations of UMSC like Kibuli,Bukoto-Nateete-Wandegeya, Kawempe, and new ones like SPIDIQA and Tabligh or Salaf, should make a board of trusties under Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu to cater for our property.
Bukoto Nateete has a similar body. UMSC is not for an individual or a group of a few individuals. It is for all Muslims of Uganda. If not, people will form their own Supreme Councils as Kibuli did it recently and named a Supreme Mufti. But Old Kampala is not for Mubajje faction only. It is for all Muslims. If mubajje cannot listen to others, and make reforms, He should form his own faction and Old Kampala remain for us all.
AHMED KATEREGA
SENIOR JOURNALIST- NEWVISION
UMBS MEMBER
Apr26
A career woman needs an understanding husband – Dr. Halimah of IUIU Kabojja
Dr. Halimah Akbar (pictured) is the Director of the Islamic University Kabojja Females’ Campus. She spoke to The Campus Journal’s Umar Kyeyune about her rise as a woman and the best environment for a female student
Umar: Few women occupy such an influential academic and administrative position as you do. What explains your rise as a woman?
Halimah: My parents were instrumental in forming my basis; they were foresighted and focused towards educating a girl child. They also taught me to be hard working – they used to give me assignments and they made sure I accomplish them on time. This gave me a strong foundation.
My mentor Dr. Ahmed Ssengendo also encouraged me as he had a policy of helping the best performers irrespective of whether they were males or females.
My husband has equally been very supportive, giving me the permission to work, for a professional woman you need an understanding husband. I think also my determination and hard work have played a part.
Umar: Why establish a girls-only campus?
Halimah: Islam tells us to separate women from men as much as possible. Studies also indicate that given a conducive environment, females in separate campuses can have better performances because they have limited distractions from their opposite sex, this also promotes moral excellence.
Umar: What is there to miss for a female Muslim student who chooses a university other than the Islamic University?
Halimah: You miss the Islamic environment that helps you practice your religion, you also miss morality and ethics. We also try to concentrate on individual students,this is not the case in other universities that sometimes fail to plan for the number of students they have.
Umar: In France, the Muslim veil is banned in public schools. Do you feel concerned about what is happening in that European country?
Halimah: As a Muslim am very concerned, the Islamic dress is not something optional, it is obligatory. The biggest problem is Islamophobia [and] people don’t understand what Islam is. The Islamic dress code shouldn’t be looked at as a threat but rather as a protection for both women and the opposite sex. The task is upon us to educate non Muslims and others that Islam is a religion of peace and denying this (veil) is a violation of our right.
Umar: Outside academics, what do you commit yourself to?
Halimah: I participate in community work, Daawa (religious seminars) to women,though it is not very easy to get time for other things.
Umar: Final word
Halimah: I encourage the females in higher institutions of learning to be focused and hard working and know their roles and responsibilities so that they may contribute to their communities.
This interview was first published in the print version of The Campus Journal in 2010
Apr26
UMSC should be abolished if Mubajje doesn’t Leave Immediately
Police direct arrested muslims to climb aboard the police pick-up. They were attempting to walk to Gaddafi National Mosque to confront a rival faction ahead of UMSC elections. Photo by Faiswal Kasirye.
According to our correspondents in town, no sooner Hadi Kibuli army set off for Old Kampala, than most of the officials at Old Kampala took off for their dear lives. According to these reporters, if police did not come for their rescue, Old Kampala people would have been history at the national mosque. But a religious leader should not be imposed or consolidated by the state. He should be a man of the people. Any way no Mufti or Chief Qadhi had ever clocked 75 while still in office.
Kibuli people are not good conspirators. They learnt nothing from 1971 and 1985 coups. A small group should, under disguise, have sneaked at the UMSC headquarters and national mosque. The first thing would have gone to Radio Bilal studios and announce the coup and tell other to keep indoors and surrender. Then the other small groups take other strategic installations as the uprising from town come in. The rest would have been history.
But it seems Kibuli did not intend to take over, but to show their position of an active boy to tomorrow’s so called election. No election can be legitimate when a big section of the electorate boycot. We have 1961 elections where Buganda boycotted. Many of my friends like Haji Nsereko Mutumba and Haji Jaffir Mugerwa ring me to tell us, not to bother with their elections. Then they should not call themselves UMSC. THEY SHOULD CALL THEMSELVES SOMETHING PRIVATE. But with UMSC where every Muslim is a stakeholder, we will not allow them to lead us without our mandate. The underlying factor is to amend rules of the game. If that fails, then UMSC which was formed by government, for political expediency, should be abolished.
Old Kampala people say that those who are opposed to election should go to sleep and leave others to elect. Then that will not be UMSC. It will be something else. If Mubajje and his adherents don’t want to change rules of the game, let them form their own faction other than disguising as UMSC when they don’t have our mandate.UMSC was formed by the late President Idi Amin Dada, for political expedience, and if there is no accountability, transparency and popular participation, it should be abolished.
UMSC Old Kampala lost legitimacy when it failed to hold General Assemebly elections in 2005 and instead postponed to 2010. Such an assembly and its organs be Executive Committee or Management, are illegal and illegitimate. Mubajje promised to make constitutional and electoral reforms which he did not fufil.
If there is no general assembly, at least, for legitimate purposes, the old Electoral Commission should have been invited to do what it did in 2000. But mubajje jumped out of the talks with Kibuli and announced his own commission. If UMSC has failed to get targets of its founder, the late Idi Amin in 1971, an umbrella organisation for all Muslims but not a sect or a faction of its own as Mubajje and his admirers want us to believe, it should be abolished.
l am not ashamed of mu Bannabuddu tribe and Baganda nationality. There is also no doubt that Baganda played a big role in Islamisation and evangelization in Uganda. That is why l am for Regional Qadhis, which even your own Mubajje advocated for before he was elected Mufti. We had those Regional Qadhis between 1972 and 1974. The Roam Catholic Chirch has come out with four arch dioceses. If you want to be a leader of UMSC, you must get the mandate of all the Muslims of Uganda. Amin formed it as an umbrella body but not for one clique. If you want to be leaders of your own, form something else but not UMSC.
Muslims have all along trying to correct the wrongs, but they have failed due to arrogance of those in leadership almost all of them except the late Sheikh muhammad Ssemakula, and late Sheikh Abadarazak Matovu, and at times in alliance with government, which is after dividing and ruling Muslims.
Who is a Sheikh?
l think one can be a sheikh by being an ullama, or by being an elder be a king, prince or clan or family leader, or by being rich or being old in age. l think in all these, the above mentioned people may be sheikhs. Then we also know that most of our traditional sheikhs are “kabalaza” who went to homes of tutors and got tutorials. Formal training abroad is a new phenomenon even formal classes in Uganda started by the late Sheikh Abadarazak Matovu at Bilal Islamic Institute, Bwaise in 1965. l think the most important is for some body to be a Muwalimu or Imaam because that is for only an ullama. But, to an extent, l agree that a sheikh should be worth his salt. We have both formal and informal education. Most of our sheikhs pass through informal education, which we also value and treasure.
Ahmed Katerega
Seniour journalist at Newvision
Member of UMBS
Apr25
212 PEOPLE EMBRACE ISLAM IN RWANDA, LAST WEEKEND
Assalamu alaikum,
According to Ali Kyeswa, Allah guided over 212 people to Islam in Kigali Rwanda over the weekend and this happened on one of our daawa events held on their tour which was led by Sheikh Badru Kisalita. May Allah (swt) guide more and strengthen them in His faith.
Ali Kyeswa is a member of Uganda Muslim Brothers & Sisters (UMBS) and heads Two Da’awa organizations:
1-Bridges of understanding Uganda ,a Branch of Bridges Foundation (www.bridges-foundation.org) Egypt
2-I.C.R.D.A-Islamic Comparative Religion daawa Ass. (www.kyeswa.zoomshare.com)
He is Egypt Trained Full- time Daeyah (caller to Islam) who has been calling Non-Muslims to Islam since 1998 and Allah (swt) has guided multitudes of people to Islam through their activities which include making open public preachings calling to Islam in public places, conferences, remote rural areas/villages, national stadiums, universities, Hospitals and Prisons among other places.May Allah accept their little efforts in HIS GREAT NOBLE cause
Ali Kyeswa has preached in a number of countries including Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Congo -DRC, Botswana and South Africa. The following are his contacts:
EMAIL: islam2africa@gmail.com
MOBILE TEL. NO. +256-772-535424
+256-701-535424
CITY: KAMPALA
MAY ALLAH (SWT) ACCEPT THEIR LITTLE CONTRIBUTION TO HIS GREAT NOBLE CAUSE
Apr25
Obituary: With sheikh’s death, Uganda’s Islam ‘computer’ shuts down
The gunning down, on Friday evening, of Sheikh Abdukarim Sebyayi Sentamu deprived the Islamic community of one of the best-informed scholars it has ever had, or will ever have.
In fact, he was so good at Hadith (teachings and practices of the Prophet) that his peers nicknamed him ‘Computer’. And it is just as well that when he met his death, he was returning from teaching the word of Allah. Sentamu died on Friday night, after he was shot twice along William street as he returned from the mosque on the same road. Dr Swaib Semuwemba, one of Sentamu’s fervent admirers, recalls a man with a deep-seated passion for scholarship.
“He would always ask me to bring him a book on my every return to the country,” Semuwemba says.
Born 50 years ago in Kawempe, Sentamu attended Bilal Islamic Primary School in Bwaise and later obtained two scholarships, one from the Islamic University of Madina and another from Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia. The same year, 1982, his bosom buddy, Sheikh Nuh Muzaata, another prominent scholar, also got an offer from Madina.
Because the two were very close (they were born, raised and studied in Bwaise), Sentamu opted to ditch Riyadh for Madina because, according to Muzaata, “he didn’t want to leave me alone”. While Muzaata studied Sharia Law, Sentamu continued to pursue his passion: Hadith, and graduated in 1989. He duly returned to Uganda to practise what he had learnt.
It was about that time that, he, together with other sheikhs, embarked on a crusade to evangelize a strict version of Islam under Jamuiyat Ad-da’wa As-Salafiyya. This group, comprised of mostly youthful Muslims, moved from mosque to mosque teaching radical Islam. They were commonly referred to as Tabliqs, with their trademark of long beards and trousers that hugged just above the ankles or tunics. Imam Idd Kasozi, a former leader of the Uganda Muslim Youth Assembly, recalls the classes Sentamu used to teach in Kazo, Bwaise, where they both lived in the 1990s.
“He was very active in the youth revival. That was my first contact with him. He also used to preach a lot,” he says.
It is through these crusades that Sentamu and Muzaata honed their preaching skills, guided by the late Sheikhs Kizito Zziwa and Edris Lutaaya.
“We spent most of our time in mosques. We never went to clubs,” Muzaata says.
ADF link
One of the youths said to have partaken of Sentamu’s well of wisdom is a man called Jamil Mukulu, now believed to be the leader of the rebel Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Their very close student-teacher relationship would later cause Sentamu a lot of problems. At the time, the Tabliqs had become a force in Uganda, fighting any Islamic leader who did not follow Sharia to the letter.
That is how they stormed the then Uganda Muslim Supreme Council headquarters in Old Kampala in 1998, in a skirmish that left four policemen and a couple of police dogs dead. The government swung into action and arrested many of the Tabliqs, including Sentamu, Sheikh Hassan Kirya and Mustafa Bayiga. On the insistence of the youths led by Imam Kasozi, the suspects were produced in court and later released.
A short while after regaining his freedom, Sentamu decided to leave the country, claiming he was being persecuted by the ADF. But because he was a close confidant of Mukulu, many people believe that Sentamu was a member of the rebel group, which had declared war on President Museveni’s government. Others, however, contest this, saying Sentamu disapproved of the confrontational path his former student was advocating.
“He didn’t like politics then. He never liked politics even when he died,” says Ssemuwemba.
In fact it is Ssemuwemba who encouraged Sentamu to return to Uganda if indeed he was not part of the rebels. He returned and continued from where he had left, teaching and preaching the word of Allah.
“He was an admired sheikh because he practised what he preached. He was very consistent. He was a reader who surrounded himself with books, and he was very reserved, but also very principled,” says Imam Kasozi, adding: “He was a good character. You wouldn’t find a better person. I liked him.”
The same views were shared by his childhood friend Muzaata. “He was a living example of a pious person. He was very calm. He wasn’t so much into business like many of us; he spent most of his time in the mosque reading, teaching or preaching.”
Sentamu was married to one wife and had four children, one of whom witnessed his murder. And with two gunshots fired by a yet unknown person, for yet unknown reasons, Islam’s ‘computer’ in Uganda was shut down, never to be rebooted — unless, perhaps, since he dedicated his entire life to teaching and died in the line of duty, one or some of his students rise to take on the mantle.
hbogere@observer.ug
SOURCE: http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18406&Itemid=114
Apr23
BALUNYWA BREAKS THE SILENCE AS A COUNCIL MEMBER AT IUIU.
Mahir Balunywa is a member of UMBS
Fact Sheet
On the 27th March, 2012 the government of the Republic of Uganda appointed my person together with others to represent it on the I.U.I.U Council. On the same date I signed forms of acceptance in the foreign Affairs Ministry. Since then deliberate falsehood in the Media (Bukedde, Red pepper, Monitor and Observer) have been made. This no doubt has left my image and credibility in balance. I am convinced that who ever has attempted to write about my person, for or against could have done so either out of ignorance or with exaggerated positive impression. The crucial issues against me have been built around: my credibility integrity and morality, personal differences with the IUIU leadership and my religious credentials. On these grounds I wish to state the following.
Credibility and Integrity
First, I hold a Masters Degree in Public Administration and Management from Makerere University and an upper second class Degree from I.U.I.U, not many council members in many Ugandan and East African Universities are Master s’ holders. Impso-factor those I have replaced had Bachelors Degrees, but with a wealth of experience.
Since 2002, I have taught at: Makerere University, Department of Gender Under Dr. Tabitha Mulyampiti, (2004 – 2005), St. Lawrence University (2008 – 2009), Lugazi University (2007 -2008), Muteesa I Royal University (2008 -2012), Islamic University in Uganda (2003 –August 2008) and most importantly taught at the East African Leadership summer school (University of Dar es Salaam) as an associate instructor in 2003. While at the Leadership summer school I taught and supervised community based internship reports to students of Makerere University, University of Nairobi and University of Dar-es-Salaam.
As a full time Lecturer at the I.U.I.U. (2003 -2008) I was a Lecturer of Public Administration, Management and Political Science. I was appointed as a Coordinator for Post Graduate studies in the faculty of Management studies, (2003 -2005), Acting Director, Center for Post graduate studies (July- September 2006) and in 2007 I was nominated to represent I.U.I.U. on a Global Professional body of the International Association of schools and institutions of Public Administration, on the same body I was appointed the chair of Marketing and Publicity. I did a commendable job and the Director General Dr. Kiyaga expressed his gratitude to the Vice Rector for nominating me on the global forum.
While at I.U.I.U I single handedly revised the Curricular of Public Administration and came up with a Public Administration Almanac. Currently I am a board member of Progressive Institute of Business Studies , Director General of Career Skills Governance and Management Consults, current Head of Department, Distance learning at Kampala international university ,now with an assignment of coming up with a detailed curricular of Masters of Local Government Administration of Busitema University (2011 – 2012)
If my credibility and professional integrity was found wanting then definitely I wouldn’t have served and worked in the mentioned Universities, how would then I.U.I.U assign me such administrative and academic responsibilities? I.U.I.U has a Disciplinary Committee for both students and lecturers. I challenge the slanderers to come up with a disciplinary record where I was accused of any wrong doing.
Morality
The allegations over my morality have not been substantiated and therefore the word “morality as a concept has been abused. For sure, it is not convincing enough to accuse another as lacking morality when the accused has never been subjected to any disciplinary action. Indisciplinadors are known by their vivid actions, he who alleges must prove with evidence; sort of that then legal redress could be sought.
On the same premise of morality, it has been alleged that I was dismissed, this is not true, my contract expired in August 2008 and I never renewed it. This cannot be interpreted as dismissal, perhaps it can be interpreted as resignation. The standing staff recruitment policy of IUIUas laid down in my appointment letter and its attachment spells out that an employee who wishes to continue working for IUIU should renew his/her contract three months before it expires, in the same spirit, if an employer (IUIU) does not wish to continue with a particular employee then the employer should notify the employee 3 months before his/her contract expires. The fact that I never renewed my contract and IUIU did not show intention of not renewing the same contract then it is common sense or knowledge that I opted out. It is therefore a falsified allegation that I was dismissed.
Personal Differences
As far as I am concerned I have not had personal differences with the IUIU administration. I am not in conflict with any of them, I simply have an alternative approach to managerial and administrative issues, and I have expressed my views in my serialized occasional papers, which details the challenges and the way a university should be managed and how management should deal with issues. In academics we don’t have conflicts but various ideological opinions. However, I have no powers to stop people from expressing their variant views about my academic occasional papers. People are at liberty to express their perceptions about what I wrote, but they are not at liberty to force me to believe in what they think about my write- ups. At University the only free product we must limitlessly consume is “free intellectual expression”, as we fulfill the sayings of the prophet of “when you see something bad remove it, if you can’t talk about it and if you can’t hate it.” Institutions are built on pointing out wrongs not hiding them.
My religious credentials
I may not have a long beard, short trouser, but I will remain a Muslim by birth and origin, Islam is a deeply rooted virtue in our family and all those who have interacted with our family (Kinyiri Family) will rightly tell you so that all Balunywa’s are Muslims. Although I am a Muslim, I am appointed as a government representative, the government is my constituency, but since I am a Muslim representing government, I am bound to serve the two. (Muslims and government).
My dreams about I.U.I.U.
Structural functionalism and system’s analysis will be my major pre-occupation. Departments should be given the autonomy they deserve to operate without undue influence. Government interests should be protected. I look forward to seeing the I.U.I.U Alumna take over the responsibilities of their Almarmata. The world over, institutions are preserved by their products, Now that the hard ware (buildings) is in place, soft ware (man power) should be nourished and motivated to meet the demands of the 21st Century. Professors should be attracted back to act is Philosophers to knowledge, Dr’s (PhDs) should be developed to act as Custodians to knowledge, Masters holders should be developed to act as Generators to Knowledge, Bachelors holders as liabilities to knowledge should be developed further and those with certificates should be developed into meaningful raw materials to knowledge.
For God and my country
Apr22
May Almighty Allah forgive Sheikh Abudul Kariim Sentamu his trespasses and grant him Janah.
watch?v=1hixzIxFeLI&list=UUbL0amMi8Ggvtzrmq5W_xTQ&index=6&feature=plpp_video
SHEIKH ABDUL KARIM SENTAMU (RIP) GUNNED DOWN IN KAMPALA
To some he is remembered as a good devoted man, who saw wrong and tried to correct it, who saw suffering and tried to heal it, who saw war and tried to stop it. We thank Allah (AW) for the brief life He has blessed us with Sheikh Abdulkarim Sentamu they have been nothing but a radiant to the muslim ummah in uganda, we have learned much from him. Those of us who loved him , and those who took him to his resting place we thank you.
I now understand the words he used to teach” ALWAYS REMEMBER ALLAH…… Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him infront of you.If you ask ,ask of Allah ; if you seek help, seek help of Allah, know that if the ummah (nations, groups like wise) were together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allah had already prescribed for you……”
For those he touched and those who thought to touch,will always remember him as a man who stood firm on what he taught. We all do the best we can, with the knowledge and wisdom we have at the time.
” To the righteous soul will be said: “O (you) soul, in (complete) rest and satisfaction! come back you to your Lord well pleased ( your self) and well pleasing onto Him enter you then, among My devotees! yea, enter you My JANNAH!” Quran 89:27-30)
FROM
Abbasi Walusimbi
Lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
——————————————————————————————————————————–
I have been able to make it to the burial at Lukowe Muslim Cemetery,Lukowe, Wakiso. There could have been at least seven kilometres of cars those on the road attempting to reach the cemetery and those parked on either side of the road!
This is my fourth burial of remarkable attendance: Abu Kakyama Mayanja, Sheikh Tamuzadde, Sheikh Mubiru (Musomesa Nsubuga’s Father), and now this one: Sheikh Abdul Karim Ssentamu. I think his closest friends did their best not to “annoy” him. He was buried like he taught us – quickly and quietly – no stories.
As we pray for Sheikh Sentamu, we ought to pray even harder for ourselves who have remained behind – the fitna around his death is too intense, only Allah can save us from succumbing to the designs of the enemy. Suspicion, the best game shaitan knows to exploit, will reign, save by the mercy of Allah.
I think Sheikh Ssentamu died well- doing the right thing. This to me is what matters. He had just finished Swalah, and teaching (dars) to go home. The assassin who tricked him by asking for a lift to Bwaise, then when he (Ssentamu) said he wasn’t going to Bwaise he asked for some money to take him home, appealed to Ssentamu’s good Muslim character side – He (Ssentamu) thought he was being helpful to a fellow Muslim brother who was in need. Allah knows best, but this is a good way to die – while doing the right thing!
May Allah forgive him his shortcomings and benefit him with his own good deeds and those of whom learnt to do good through his guidance. Ameen. I am one of those.
Omar Kalinge
Kampala
+256 703 851 851
Apr19
Prof.Mukwanason Hyuha takes his ‘guns’ out to fight ‘enemies’ in the IUIU battle
Professor Mukwanason Hyuha
I am extremely grateful to the Government of the Republic of Uganda for appointing its representatives to the IUIU Council—representatives who include me.
Whoever knows and clearly understands me has no doubts that I will positively contribute a great deal to the academic and other activities of IUIU—just like I did and have done for the University of Dar es Salaam (1980-1990), Makerere University (1993-2000),, the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) covering the entire Sub-Saharan Africa, with headquarters in Nairobi (2001-2010) and Kampala International University (KIU) (2010- to date), to mention but a few institutions where I have been instrumental in capacity building, education administration and academic and other infrasturactural developments.
However,I and many persons as well as alumni of IUIU are tremendously surprised by the baseless allegations that have lately appeared in some sections of the media directed at me and Mr. Mahiri Balunywa, another new appointee to the IUIU Council. These allegations have been made in mosques in Kampala, the Bukedde TV, the Red Pepper, and a few radio stations. The source of the allegations appears to be a few individuals apparently threatened, for reasons best known by themselves, by my appointment and that of Mr. Balunywa.
The purpose of this write-up is to give the correct information on some of the allegations. I believe there is a hidden agenda aimed at tarnishing my otherwise excellent image and integrity, attributes earned out of my hard work and dedicated, selfless service to all institutions where I have worked. The naked truth must be revealed so as to shame the devil and its heinous disciples that are behind the malicious allegations
- 1. My International Profile/Exposure
I honestly believe that I am one of the best known international figures amongst the Muslims in Uganday positions as the Associte Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of the University of Dar es Salaam and as a good teacher and researcher at the same university (1980-1990), as the Academic Registrar of Makerere University (1993-2000), and as a researcher, teacher and PhD Manager while with the African Economic Research Consortium (2001-2010) made me known all over Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. These positions enabled me visit and interact with virtually all universities in Sub-Saharan Africa. There is, therefore, hardly any country I have not been to as far as Sub-Saharan Africa is concerned. Moreover, I have been an External Examiner in Economics in many universities in Eastern and Southern Africa. In summary:
- Worked with the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) from 2001 to 2010. The AERC runs research and graduate training programmes in Economics. It is funded by over 15 donor countries and organisations
- Visited annually all the OIC member countries in Africa while with the AERC. My docket included collaborating with universities in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as lecturers and professors of Economics in the running of Master’s and PhD degrees in the region. There is hardly any country in the said region which I have not visited to date.
- Recognised as one of the best Monetary Economists in Sub-Saharan Africa. I have taught Macroeconomics, Monetary Economics, Econometrics and Research Methodology at the University of Dar es Salaam (1980-1990), University of Zambia (1984 for 4 months), Makerere University (1993-2000), the AERC (1993-1998 and 2002-2009) and KIU (currently).
- Worked in Tanzania (over 10) years and Kenya (over 8 years) and Zambia (4 months).
- 2. My Integrity
My personal integrity is beyond question This is why I have worked with international organisations like the AERC. Whoever read a series of articles published by the Sunday Monitor newspaper between March 22 and April 15, 2008. I did discuss some of the problems afflicting Makerere University at that time. In his reactions to the publications, the spokesman for the university commented, among other things, that I had no moral authority to give my views on the university “given the way I had departed from Makerere. In a rejoinder to my earlier articles, I took liberty to comment on this Makerere saga; I did comprehensively comment on most of the concocted allegations leveled against me. As a result, I deflated the allegations and showed that I had the moral authority, right and integrity to discuss any issues at the university and elsewhere. It does appear, unfortunately, that those that, in broad daylight, still insist that my integrity is questionable either have never read these articles in the Sunday Monitor, or they know the truth but are bent on misleading the public mainly for selfish interests and malicious reasons
I was a member of the Appointments and Disciplinary Committee of the IUIU from 1991 to 2002. I continued being a member of the Committee even after I had left Makerere University. Why was my integrity not questioned then, rather than now, ten years later? There must be a hidden agenda! Are the powers-to-be in IUIU using me to fight their private wars or to clean their dirty deeds or linen (if any)? They should stop this character-assassination before my lawyers catch up with them in due course. In summary:
- After departure from Makerere University, I worked for another two years up-to 2002 on the IUIU Appointments and Disciplinary Committee, making a total of 10 years as member of the said IUIU Committee. If my integrity was not questioned by IUIU and others at that time, why is it being questioned now:10 years later? There must be a hidden agenda, nothing to do with integrity.
- I worked for the AERC for about nine years. AERC is an international academic organisation financed by over fifteen (15) donors. I started and run a Collaborative PhD programme in Economics covering the entire Sub-Saharan Africa. No donor or any other participant ever questioned my integrity; instead, they all appreciated my teamwork, my innovative ability and immense contribution, given the fact that I am an extremely hardworking individual, Makerere University and other institutions where I have worked can attest to this.
- I worked at the University of Dar es Salaam for over ten years in various capacities including being a member of the University Senate. While there, I rose to the academic rank of Associate Professor. Again nobody ever doubted mt integrity.
- I have been working as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Kampala International University (KIU) where I am a member of the University Senate and the University Council since 2010. Again there my integrity has never been questioned
- Lastly, I have served as a member of the General Assembly and the Executive Committee of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) since the year 2000, The UMSC is a Muslim institution, like the IUIU. My record there speaks for itself and my integrity has never been questioned.
3. My Unquestionable Belief in Islam
- I, son of the late Al-Hajji Sheikh Asumani Wandera Muhwana, have been a Muslim since birth. I come from one of the biggest Muslim families in Eastern Uganda. You cannot have a non-Muslim member on the General Assembly or the Executive Committee of UMSC. Again the question of I being a non-Muslim would have been raised in 2000 when I was elected and joined the General Assembly and the Executive Committee of the UMSC, NOT now!
4. Hyuha: The Innovator and Thinker
- He managed the construction of the famous Senate Building at Makerere University without a single cent from the University’s development budget or the donor community—but from funds internally generated by the Department of the Academic Registrar where I was the then chief executive officer.
5. My Record at Makerere University
- I contributed in no small way to the development of various academic programmes, staff development, private sponsorship schemes and the administration of Makerere University while I was there. Even when I left, I successfully worked with the AERC to bring the CMAP to the university and sponsor over 8 academicians up to PhD (Economics) level. Many of these academicians I trained are members of the university academic staff.
- On concocted allegations preferred against me, see my answers in articles that appeared in the Sunday Monitor newspaper from about mid-March to mid-April, 2008. These were another set of concocted, baseless allegations, possibly with another hidden agenda. In any case, no criminal charges were preferred against me.
6. My Expected Work at the IUIU Council
- To ensure rapid progress of the academic staff. A University which started in 1988 should have many professors by now; it appears to date there is no professor on the academic staff.
- Academic standards have to be improved
- Research must be immensely improved for it appears right now very little research is going on at the university. Hence, one gets hardly any academic publications or journal articles emanating from the university. As Hyuha stated in 1992 while attending the fourth anniversary of the university, “A university without research is just a glorified secondary school”. IUIU must start appearing among the best 100 universities in Africa.
- To work with everybody as a team without fear or fever. In this respect, nobody should expect to be victimized by Prof. Hyuha, or, for that matter by any other member of the new Council.
- Those who work hard will be appropriately rewarded; those who need mentoring will be mentored; and those who need learning and/or sensitization will be taught and/or sensitized.
Hence, if one states that Prof. Hyuha has no international exposure, there must be a hidden agenda, or else one does not know what he/she is talking about. My curriculum vitae is very rich (see attached short c.v. below).
Mukwanason A. Hyuha
April 2012
Like this:
Apr18
Iddil Amin’s Letter showing all the properties he handed over to Uganda Muslim Surpreme Council
Apr16
Sean Stone, the son of famed Hollywood director Oliver Stone, embraced Islam
Sean
Sean Stone, the 27 year old filmmaker embraced Islam while working on a documentary in Iran. Stone maintained that his embracement of Islam should not be seen as a renunciation of other faiths and that he embraced Prophet Muhammad (saas) along with other prophets.
“Being there, seeing Islam in practice, having read Quran , having studied Islam at Oxford and Princeton both, I just feel that is an extension of Judeo-Christian heritage and Mohammed is a prophet in that same line going back to Abraham. I reaffirm my belief in God…”
In another statement to CNN, Sean Stone said:“Clash of civilization is nonsense. We have heard this model especially since the 90s particular. and this conception that Jews, Christians, and Muslims cannot live in harmony. I want to end that, that rhetoric and say I am a Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and I want to be able to understand all three religions and have a dialogue with people from all across the border.”
Regarding how his father responded his decision, Stone said:
“He [Oliver Stone] said Allah be with you.”
Apr16
Is there a Conspiracy to turn IUIU into a new ‘Greenland Bank’ by the Government??
Written by Omar Kalinge-Nnyago
There is a lot that has been and will be said about the recent new appointments to the IUIU University Council. Focus has been on the rather contentious appointment of, especially, Mr. Mahir Balunywa, whose earlier postings on the Ugandan Muslim elite internet discussion forum: “Uganda Muslims and Brothers – (UMBS)”, with 17,000 members worldwide, did raise a few eye brows, as they focused more on the person of Dr. Ssengendo, accusing him of certain things that cannot be dignified with a repeat mention here. My personal views on Mr. Balunywa are irrelevant here, although he knows how much I admire his energy, which, if nurtured well, may serve him well in the future.
So, whereas the Government of the Republic of Uganda has the right to appoint any three Members to the IUIU Council in addition to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minster of Education or their representatives), some Muslims think that it was not proper to appoint someone who clearly had personal issues with the Rector of the University. The University Council is the supreme governing body of the University responsible for overall administration of the university and for ensuring the due implementation of the objects and functions of the university. So, tension in the council must impact on the University’s performance as an institution.
However, matters seem to be more complex than they seem. It seems that perhaps the new IUIU University council may not have to deal with Dr. Ssengendo after all.
Reports indicate that a group of interested persons convinced the President to write to the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), asking him to remove the Rector Dr. Ahmad Kaweesa Ssengendo and Vice Rector/Academic Dr. Mouhamad Mpezamihigo from the University, ostensibly on security grounds due to the ‘fact’ that the two were allegedly founder members a political party in the opposition, which, we have since learnt from Hon. Kiyingi, was JEEMA, Justice Forum.
There are questions that must be addressed at the highest level.
First, is it true that the President of Uganda wrote to the OIC Secretary General asking him to remove Dr. Ssengendo and Dr.Mpezamihigo from IUIU?
Secondly, if he did, did he act on correct information or was he misled?
Thirdly, If he was misled, who misled him and who is to be held responsible for the predictable fallout from this action which is going to re-create tension between a large section of the Muslim Community and the President of Uganda and his government? Already, perhaps in desperation, the discourse in mosques these days point to a ‘conspiracy’ from certain quarters unfriendly to Islam and Muslims, to sabotage Muslim development in Uganda and parallels are openly being drawn between the events that led to the closure of Greenland Bank and this current IUIU uncertainty. Few Muslims in Uganda believe the closure of Greenland Bank was an act of good faith. I don’t see Muslims in Uganda watch as yet another Muslim owned institution is dragged down the path of disrepute and eventual extinction.
Finally, if the information that the President acted upon is indeed accurate and that the two are a ‘security risk’ because they are allegedly founder members of an opposition political party in Uganda, what precedent does this set for the future of higher education in Uganda? Shall it become the norm that heads of Universities in Uganda be required to be card carrying members of the ruling party? Can the supply of higher education be sustainably subjected to politics? Not as important but worth contemplating; is an opposition party registered in Uganda, unlawful society?
I think that government should officially clear the air on these matters, as a matter of urgency.
omarkalinge@gmail.com
Omar Kalinge comments regularly on higher education, social and political issues and an e-learning consultant
Apr8
Hong Kong using halal food to attract Muslim biz community
Hong Kong is attracting more Muslim money and businessmen amid increasing economic ties between China and the Muslim business community.
The online version of Time magazine Wednesday said halal food, or food made in accordance with the Quran, is popular among Muslim businessmen in Hong Kong. The city and China have raised trade with Islamic countries like Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates, so more restaurants in Hong Kong are selling halal food or dumplings without pork for Muslim businessmen. Pork is widely used in Chinese food but banned by Islamic law.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board says the number of tourists to the city is growing 20 percent annually. The number of halal-certified restaurants and markets jumped from just 14 in 2010 to three times that figure in a year, with the Tsim Sha Tsui district alone having 13 halal-certified restaurants.
Tourists from the Middle East, Pakistan and Indonesia usually buy wholesale mobile phones manufactured at mainland factories for resale at home.
The magazine said establishing Muslim-friendly services in Hong Kong could well be part of a multi-pronged attempt to establish a stronger business relationship between the resource-rich Muslim world and the greater China region, which is in dire need of fuel for its burgeoning economy.
“Mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the Muslim world is extremely important to China,“ said Ma Hongjian, president of the Beijing-based China-Arab Council for Investment Promotion.
Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S., he said, trade partnerships between the two have skyrocketed because many Muslim entrepreneurs could not obtain visas to the West and instead started going to China in droves.
“There are so many examples of the Chinese government trying to provide facilities to our Muslim guests,” Ma added.
With soaring exchanges between China and the Islamic world, Hong Kong has positioned itself as a conduit for Muslim business with mainland China. In addition to offering more dining options to the Islamic community, the city is also developing a strong platform for Islamic finance.
“We hope to develop a wholesale Islamic capital market,” a spokesperson for Hong Kong’s Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said.
Creating an Islamic capital market has been a major issue since Hong Kong`s first discussion on the matter at parliament in 2008, including Islamic bonds known in Arabic as “sukuk.”
Sukuk pays investors in assets to avoid the exchange of interest in accordance with Islamic law. Initiated by the Planning and Strategy Ministry, the Korean government since 2009 has attempted to revise its Special Tax Treatment Control Act, under which investment return of sukuk is not taxed because it is considered interest that attracts oil money from the Middle East.
Due to a backlash from Christians over sukuk, the revised bill failed to pass the National Assembly in February. Discussion has also not resumed on the matter in parliament
Apr6
Who is Professor, Dr. Omar Hassan Kasule:Pioneer in Integrating Islamic Medicine into Medical Practice and Teaching
Dr. Omar Hasan K. Kasule: Pioneer in Integrating Islamic Medicine into Medical Practice and Teaching
Omar Hasan Kasule, MBChB (MUK), MPH, DrPH (Harvard) graduated from Makerere University in Uganda and subsequently obtained his postgraduate training in public health, including a doctorate in epidemiology, from Harvard University. He was a fellow at Harvard and taught a course on the delivery of maternal and child health services. At the Harvard Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, he worked on cancer clinical trials and analysis of cancer epidemiological data from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). Additionally, Dr. Kasule obtained a certification in Arabic and Islamic studies from Bilal institute in Kampala, Uganda.
click on the link below to get the whole profile
Dr.Omar Kasule Biography
Enjoy some of Omar’s photos while in Brunei
Apr6
Tendency towards Islam on rise in Russia
“We are asking the authorities to let us build new mosques, but they are ignoring our demands.”
Imam of Moscow’s Historical Mosque, Hasan Fakhritdinov. Government funded BBC reported.
Moscow’s Muslim worshipers are forced to pray outside in the snow, as the city’s few mosques can no longer cope with the more than two million Muslims living in the Russian capital.
“We are asking the authorities to let us build new mosques, but they are ignoring our demands,” Imam of Moscow’s Historical Mosque, Hasan Fakhritdinov said, Government funded BBC reported.
Moscow has become one of the biggest cities for Muslims in Europe and its four mosques can no longer cope with tens of thousands of Muslims, who gather for Friday prayers every week.
Racist attacks against Muslim migrants in Russia have fallen dramatically in recent years. The Russian human rights group, Sova Centre, reported seven deaths and 28 injuries from racist and xenophobic attacks in 2011.
Muslims living in Moscow have changed the city’s way of life, as they live alongside the Orthodox Christian Russians with mutual respect and harmony.
Zarif, a devout Muslim from Tajikistan, is married to Yelena, who comes from an Orthodox Christian family.
“I sometimes buy Christian icons for my Orthodox in-laws and they buy me Muslim books or calendars… when I fast they don’t eat in front of me,” he says.
Halal shops and cafes have opened across the city. Halal samosa has become one of Moscow’s most popular take-away foods.
Meanwhile, a growing number of Russians are converting to Islam. Ayesha Larisa, who works at a Muslim support center in Moscow, says more than 10,000 newly converted Muslim women have registered at the center.
There are some 23 million Muslims in the Russian Federation concentrated in the north of the Caucasus, representing roughly 15 percent of its 145 million peoples. Islam is the country’s second-largest religion, behind Christian Orthodoxy.
PG/JR
Apr6
Canadian professor converts to Islam in Jeddah
A Canadian university professor converted to Islam in Saudi Arabia, saying he had found a completely different religion from what is depicted in the West.
David Woelke, an English language teacher at King Abdul Aziz University in the western Red Sea port of Jeddah, converted to Islam amidst applause and chanting by the audience at an Islamic conference in the city.
“I used to go to church quite often in my country and noticed there is a big difference between the two religions….I have found that the media in the west is presenting Islam in a deformed way,” said Woelke, who changed his first name to Dawood, according to Saudi newspapers.
“I decided to embrace Islam because I was convinced of it…I had first decided to study it from the cultural point of view but when I came to Saudi Arabia, I found the picture is completely different from that depicted in the West….the more I knew about Islam, the more I became attached to it…in the end, I found myself convinced of it and decided to embrace it.”
—Source: iina.me
Apr6
Reflections On The Significance Of Easter as we wish happy easter to our non-Muslim colleagues
Dear forumits,
Tomorrow is the beginning of this year Easter period – It is a Good Friday which marks 1985th year anniversary of the crucifixion of one of the greatest persons and religious icons that had ever trodden on this planet. The entire world would be thrown into celebrative mood during the three-day period straddling tomorrow (Good Friday) and Monday (Easter Monday). – a period historically representing the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who died, according to Christian chronology, 1985 years ago. That is in contemplation of Gregorian numerology which starts counting from the year of His birth and thus has the year of death as 33 A.D.
The Christ followers all over the world believe that this singular event is the pinnacle of divine intervention to salvage mankind- the denouement in the primordial plot featuring mankind saga and stretching all the eons from the blissful era of plenitude and grace in the Garden of Eden, through the tragic time when humanity fell in the same locale, to the period of unmerited redemption.
The Easter is seen as the ultimate symbolism of love, a transcendental form of agape; the divine love of God for mankind conveying the message of everlasting hope. No human, no matter what you believe, is absolutely indifferent to the historical figure called Jesus of Nazareth. The Christians believe that Christ is the son of God who came to world for the singular purpose of saving the fallen man from the eternal damnation, through God’s gracious redemptive benignities.
The Muslims see Jesus as one of the principal prophets of God who never died, who came to the world with Allah’s message to human beings, who preached a sublime message of love for mankind and performed countless number of miracles, both to alleviate the suffering of the people and to underscore his mission as an emissary of the Almighty. Even the atheists regard Jesus as one of the greatest teachers of mankind whose messages are laden with great felicities, charity and hope, which are requisite ingredients for harmonious co-existence among the earth dwellers.
In all these varied religious/philosophical world views, the phenomenon called love and its esteemed, inherent value in human affairs is ever constant. Thus, all the world religions, including even atheistic liberalism and scientific humanism, convey the underlying message that we should love ourselves, that we should shun selfishness in all its ramifications. It appears to this writer that if we can imbibe the essence of Easter and allow its message of genuine and selfless affections to percolate our spirits, most of our problems will disappear. Neither the Holy Bible nor the Al-Quran Kareem (The Glorious Quran) enjoins us to embrace the culture of hatred; neither says we should maim and kill one another on accounts of our reconcilable or irreconcilable differences, rather, the two scriptures are replete with passages urging love and forbearance.
The politicians who exploit their public offices to pursue egotistic agenda; who loot the treasury with abandon -only to be let of by IGG and consititutional court, acquiring properties all over the world while the majority of their compatriots are languishing in heart-rending poverty, have no love in their perverse hearts. What amount of love inheres in a heart that diverts a fund meant for the development of his country into a private Swiss account or a leader who denies the people their fundamental human rights, or fraudulently stole the mandate of his opponents in an electoral contest?
A religious zealot, who burns down places of worship of other people or hates Muslims because they are Muslims, even, deserves no other epithet than an inconsiderate, loveless, terrorist. Muslims were killed in Mbarara in 1960s but up to now the killers walked scot free.The same thing holds true for those who kill other innocent people on the ground of tribalism( as we witnessed in Obote 2).
The true lesson of Easter transcends mere festivities and fanfare; it transcends mere attendance of places of worship in flamboyant dresses and listening perfunctorily to sermons. In countless number of churches around the world in the next few days, homiletic injunctions would be reeled out with exegetical precision and godly passion. But what is really important is the number of people who turns new leaves in obedience to the messages, not how many attends churches; how many hearts would allow the real gospel of love to take roots and blossom?
How many people are doing unto others as they would like to be treated? Many people know the customs and tradition behind Easter, but very few bother themselves about the significance of Christ crucifixion and acclaimed resurrection. For a great number of people, Easter period like other festive periods, is just an opportunity to engage in reckless bingeing, drinking, debauchery and lasciviousness, abusing others and denying citizens their freeedom.
They hear Easter messages year in year out but continue in their selfish lifestyles. The practices exhibiting lack of love percolates every facet of the society. It would do us a lot of good if we strive to forget all our differences and unite as common sojourners in this earthly realm in which we are bound with a common destiny. To really move forward, we must cultivate the sublime virtue of love, evinced through positive attributes like magnanimity, forbearance, amity, charity and altruism, all of which underline the true message of Easter.
Happy Easter to all Ugandans! Hopefully you vote for a Muslim president one day with love in your heart as Muslims have been voting for non-Muslims for various posts.
UMBS MANAGEMENT
Apr6
Moses Ali’s contributions to the Uganda Muslim Community
Dear Brothers and Sisters,Assalaam alaikum
Some forumists have said a few uncharitable things about Gen. Moses Ali. Ironically, this was in response to the story about the new developments at IUIU for which Gen. Moses Ali has worked tirelessly.
I wish to make a modest contribution to this debate by listing a few positive things that I know about him to dispel the wrong impression that some people might have formed about him as a result of those submissions:
Until a couple of years ago, Gen. Moses Ali was a Member of IUIU University Council and Chairman of the Finance Committee of the same University. He had been in this position for more than a decade. If there is any progress that the University registered during this period, I believe Moses Ali was part of the efforts that led to that progress.
- In the early nineties, in what came to be known as Haq saga when the former IUIU Rector from Bangladesh tried to kick out some senior Ugandan administrators from the University including Dr. Sengendo and Mr. Haruna Chemisto , Gen. Moses Ali was at the forefront of those who stood their ground and resisted this unfair dismissal. The saga ended by the dismissal of Prof. Haq instead.
A few years ago when government was closing its diplomatic Missions abroad due to budgetary constraints and Riyadh Mission was among those lined up for closure, Gen. Moses Ali is reported to have single handedly defended it during the Cabinet meetings that considered the matter. His core argument was that this Mission served Muslim Pilgrims to Makkah and that it would be unfair to them to close it. Riyadh Mission survived while Missions such as Paris. Bonn, Havanah and Lusaka were closed (though some of them have since been re-opened.)
During his tenure as a Minister of Tourism, several deserving Muslims from all parts of Uganda were appointed to serve on various Boards of government parastatals and institutions under the Ministry. I have a feeling that the good General had a hand in it. Of those I can remember are Mr. Chemisto from Kapchorwa and Hajj Kajoba from Kasawo, Bugerere who served on the Board of Uganda Wild Life Authority or whatever body was in charge of wildlife then. Another is Ms. Fatuma Nsereko, a lecturer at IUIU then who served on the Board governing Sheraton Hotel (Before its privatization).
- Those are only a few things I can recall in the last 15 years. However as we all know, Gen. Ali served in Amin government as a Minister of Finance under whose docket fell the responsibility to distribute the properties and businesses of the departed Asians. Many people who were old enough then talk highly of his even-handedness in the distribution of these properties and of his efforts to empower Muslims to do business. Not to mention the ease with which performed Hajj at that time thank to the foreign exchange afforded by the Ministry of Finance.
I have met many people from West Nile and elsewhere who owe their education to Gen. Moses Ali.While I do not know the extent of his role in the ongoing unfortunate developments in IUIU, I think it is only fair to acknowledge that he is an elder in the community and has made substantial contribution to its development. As such, he deserves our respect.
Abdunur Sekindi
UMBS forumist in Jeddah
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بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ UMBS is a registered organization devoted to matters of interest to Muslims in Uganda.Muslims from other countries are welcome to join us too. Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uganda-Muslim-Brothers-Sisters/128372957263072. Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/UMBSFORUM. To donate to UMBS activities, click on: http://um-bs.com/donate/ or just deposit money on UMBS Bank A/C at Bank of Africa:07074320002 . Join UMBS forum on facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/ugandamuslimbrotherssis/.
Apr6
INTERNATIONAL COURSE ON ISLAMIC FINANCE @ 350K.APPL. DEADLINE-30TH APR
Aslm Alkm UMBS
The Distance Learning Department (DLD) a department of Uganda Management Institute (UMI) together with Senegal Distance Learning Centre, the World Bank Institute and the Tokyo Distance Learning Centre will jointly run a course on “ISLAMIC FINANCE” which is unique and quite interesting.
The COURSE BROCHURE is attached together with an application form which can be photocopied for others wishing to apply, filled and returned to the
Gladys Bwoch
Distance Learning Centre
Uganda Management Institute
P.O. Box 20131, Kampala, Uganda
Mob.: 078-4-458992/070-4-928710
Email: gbwoch@umi.ac.ug/uga_gbwoch@gdlnmail.org/uganda_dlc@gdlnmail.org
Brochure_Islamic Finance 2012 1st offering
application forms – UMI blank
Apr4
One million US women to wear hijab for Iraqi woman killed in California
Tue Apr 3, 2012 2:42PM GMT
One million non-Muslim women in the United States will be wearing hijabs in support of Shaima Alawadi, an Iraqi immigrant brutally killed at her home in March.
Many non-Muslim women in the United States have posted photos of themselves wearing a headscarf on “One Million Hijabs for Shaima Alawadi,” which is a recently created webpage on Facebook.
The Facebook page had about 10,000 likes on April 2.
Jean Younis, the office manager at Bonita Valley Adventist Church in National City, California, said she would wear an Islamic headscarf to support the family and friends of Shaima Alawadi on Sunday, according to a recent article published by the Washington Post.
“I do expect a reaction, but that’s the point. It needs to be discussed,” said Younis.
The 59-year-old church office manager is one of the many non-Muslim women who have expressed solidarity with 32-year-old Shaima Alawadi.
Alawadi, mother of five, was found unconscious at her home in El Cajon, California, on March 21. She died after being found beaten and lying in a pool of blood next to a note saying “go back to your country, you terrorist”.
There have also been “hijab and hoodie” demonstrations at several universities across the United States in recent days. The notion of “hoodie” refers to the killing of Trayvon Martin, a black teenager gunned down by a neighborhood watch volunteer in Florida on February 26.
“They were both killed because of the way they looked and that is so wrong,” Younis said.
Trayvon Martin and Shaima Alawadi are not the only victims of alleged hate crime in the United States in recent weeks.
On March 24, 19-year-old college student Kendrec McDade was shot and killed by two Pasadena police officers in Los Angeles County, California. Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez said he believed as many as “eight shots” were fired at McDade.
According to a report by Federal Bureau of Investigation, only in 2010 the statistics regarding single-bias hate crime incidents that were prosecuted in the United States showed there were 3,949 victims of racially motivated hate crimes, with 70 percent being victims of anti-black bias.
The FBI compiles annual statistics on hate crimes in the United States, but many commentators believe the bureau understates the real level of reported and unreported hate crimes each year.
Apr2
QUESTIONS WE MUST ASK ABOUT THE IUIU SITUATION
Assalaam alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.
There is a lot that has been and will be said about the recent new appointments to the IUIU University Council. Focus has been on the rather contentious appointment of, especially, Brother Mahir Balunywa, our fellow forumist and younger energetic and most eloquent bother, whose earlier postings on this group did raise a few eye brows, as they focussed more on the person of his elder brother, Dr. Ahmad Ssengendo, accusing him of certain things that cannot be dignified with a repeat here.
My personal views on my younger brother Mahir Balunywa are irrelevant here, although he knows how much I admire and respect his energy and boldness, which, if nurtured well and tempered with Taqwa (fear of Allah) and perhaps a conscious effort on his part to seek deeper understanding of the Holy Qur’an and its sublime teachings, sure will serve him in the future, inshAllah.
So, whereas the Government of the Republic of Uganda has the right to appoint any three Members to the IUIU Council (the other two, who, when added to the three make five, are the Minister of Education and Minister of Foreign Affairs or their representatives), some on this forum and others outside it think that it was not proper to appoint someone who clearly had personal issues with Br. Dr. Ssengendo, the Rector of the University. The University Council is the supreme governing body of the University responsible for overall administration of the university and for ensuring the due implementation of the objects and functions of the university.So tension in the council must impact on the University’s performance as an institution.
However, matters seem to be more complex than they seem. We are receiving reports that perhaps the new IUIU University council may not have to deal with Dr. Ssengendo after all.
Reports yet to be verified as documentation is awaited, indicate that a group of people convinced H.E. the President of Uganda to write to the Secretary General of the OIC asking him to remove the Rector Dr. Ahmad Kaweesa Sengendo and Vice Rector/Academic Dr. Mouhamad Mpezamihigo from the University, ostensibly on security grounds and due to the fact that the two are allegedly founder members a political party in the opposition. It is also reported that Hon. Kiyingi travelled, to personally deliver the letter to the OIC Secretary General.
As a Minister responsible for the University, however, he ought to have known that the powers to remove the Rector or anybody else for that matter from the university do not lie with the OIC Secretary General. It was therefore kind of a diplomatic embarrassment to advise the Head of State to sign a letter that was obviously motivated by personal vendetta and intrigues among some Muslim elite with interest in the University.
It is reported that in his meeting with Hon. Kiyingi, the Secretary General expressed the highest respect he has for H.E. the President recognizing the invaluable contribution he has made in the development of university. He however politely advised the Hon. Minister on how the system works. He referred him to the University Council of which his Ministry or he himself is a member. While Hon. Kiyingi is not yet grounded in the workings of diplomacy, this error of judgement that he and his group had made was not lost on him.
So there are questions that must be addressed at the highest level:
1. Is it true that the President of Uganda wrote to the OIC Secretary General asking him to remove Dr. Ahmad Kaweesa Ssengendo and Dr. Mouhamad Mpezamihigo from IUIU?
2. If he did, did he act on correct information or was he misled?
3. If he was misled, who misled him and who is to be held responsible for the predictable fall out from this action which is going to create tension between a large section of the Muslim Community and the President of Uganda and his government?. Already, perhaps in desperation, the discourse in some mosques last Friday point to a ‘conspiracy’ from certain quarters unfriendly to Islam and Muslims, to sabotage Muslim development in Uganda and parallels are openly being drawn between the events that led to the closure of Greenland Bank and this current IUIU uncertainty. Few Muslims in Uganda and elsewhere believe that closing Greenland Bank was an act of goodwill. I don’t see Muslims in Uganda watch as yet another pride of the Muslim Community is dragged down the path of disrepute and eventual extinction.
4. If the information that the President acted upon is indeed ‘accurate’ and that the two are a ‘security risk’ because they are allegedly founder members of an opposition political party in Uganda, what precedent does this set for the future of higher education in Uganda? Shall it become the norm that heads of Universities in Uganda be required to be card carrying members of the ruling party? Can the supply of higher education be sustainably subjected to politics? Not as important but worth contemplating, is an opposition party registered in the Republic of Uganda, an unlawful association?
I think that government may have to clear the air on these matters, as a matter of urgency. Meanwhile, all effort is being made by us, to verify the reports that we have received. The IUIU University council can be changed, according to the Islamic University in Uganda Act (1990, cap 103). This is not in dispute.
For the record, let us state the following facts that may guide us in our subsequent debate.
The new government appointees to the IUIU Council are as follows:
.
- Prof. Mukwanason Hyuha – Vice Chairman
- Mr. Mahir Balunywa - Member
- Hon. Asuman Kiyingi - Member
They replaced the following members who have served on the Council for different periods:
- Hon. Ali Kirunda Kivejjinja - Vice Chairman
- Hon. Lubega Kaddunabbi - Member
- Hon. Huda Oleru - Member
According to the Islamic University in Uganda Act (1990, cap 103), the University Council is the supreme governing body of the University responsible for overall administration of the university and for ensuring the due implementation of the objects and functions of the university. It is composed of seventeen members appointed as follows;
(a) Five persons appointed by the Secretary General of the OIC from among persons who are Muslims of outstanding academic and scientific attainment and also from among Muslims who are considered to be eminent personalities in the Muslim world in each case irrespective of their nationalities;
(b) Five persons appointed by the government of Uganda;
(c) The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation; or a Senior Official of the general secretariat appointed by the Secretary General.
(d) The Chairperson of the Permanent Council of the Islamic Solidarity Fund or the Chairperson’s representative who shall be a member of the permanent council;
(e) The Chairperson of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council or the chairperson’s representative;
(f) The University Rector who works as secretary to the council;
(g) The Vice Rector responsible for academic matters;
(h) The leader of the university’s students’ guild.
Of the five persons appointed by the government of Uganda two are Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs and Education respectively or their representatives. Three members are selected from among the Muslims in Uganda who are considered to be eminent personalities.
Wabillahi tawfiq.
omar
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بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ UMBS is a registered organization devoted to matters of interest to Muslims in Uganda.Muslims from other countries are welcome to join us too. Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uganda-Muslim-Brothers-Sisters/128372957263072. Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/UMBSFORUM. To donate to UMBS activities, click on: http://um-bs.com/donate/ or just deposit money on UMBS Bank A/C at Bank of Africa:07074320002 . Join UMBS forum on facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/ugandamuslimbrotherssis/. شكرا (جزيلا
Mar31
Muslim Mom Dies After Attack, Killer Left Note Saying ‘Go Back To Your Country, You Terrorist’
Shaima Alawadi will return to Iraq having left nearly 20 years ago to seek a better life in America, according to the Iraqi government.
The 32-year-old Iraqi-American mother of five died over the weekend from wounds inflicted during a beating last week in her suburban San Diego, CA home. Her daughter found the body with a note nearby reading, “Go back to your country, you terrorist.” A note found the week before and ignored as a prank, according to family friends, similarly read: “You’re a terrorist. You should move back to your country.” Alawadi wore a hijab, a scarf covering her head in keeping with traditional Islamic custom. Police are investigating whether the killing constituted a hate crime.
Today, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari requested that Alawadi’s body be returned to Iraq for burial: “The government has ordered to transport her body from California to Baghdad,” he said during a press conference in Baghdad, refusing further questions.
A local imam from Dearborn, MI, where Alawadi previously lived, said she was the daughter of an Iraqi Shia cleric. The Detroit Free Press reported:
The body of Alawadi, a U.S. citizen, is currently being prepared to be flown to Iraq for her funeral, said Al-Husainy. Her father, Sayed Nabeel Alawadi, is a Shia cleric in Iraq, whose government will pay for shipping expenses of the body, he said.
Suehaila Amen, a 33-year-old in Michigan who runs a Lebanese-American Heritage Club there, said the killing raised fears among Muslim-American populations:
This is something that’s really scary. For a woman like myself who wears a hijab, you’re an open target. You’re always looking over your shoulder because of how you’re dressed and because someone might have skewed perceptions of the community.
A social media campaign sought to show solidarity and alleviate fears by encouraging users to post pictures of themselves in hijab. “There should not be an outfit that screams ‘kill me!’ Hoodie or hijab, this needs to stop,” the Facebook page says.
Mar31
Muslims Build Homes for Fellow Americans. Lessons for Muslim Students on UMBS
“They are one of the most delightful groups of students you are ever going to meet,” Gwen Miles, volunteer coordinator for Wood County Habitat for Humanity, told the Parkesburg News and Sentinel on Wednesday, March 7.
“This is the first group of Muslim students (to volunteer here) and the first group we’ve had from as far away as Washington, D.C.”
Muslim students from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. have volunteered to build homes for residents in south Parkesburg in West Virginia.
“Not many students would give up their Spring Break to come work in cold and snowy Parkersburg,” Miles said.
“They are making the best of it.”
The initiative is part of Muslim efforts to show the American public the truce face of their faith.
“I asked how we can best translate our faith into action, how we can best be Americans,” said Imam Yahya Hendi, Muslim chaplain for Georgetown University.
“The idea is to be there for those who are overlooked,” he said. “The students decided to take this idea seriously.”
Since 9/11, US Muslims, estimated between seven to eight million, have become sensitized to an erosion of their civil rights, with a prevailing belief that America was stigmatizing their faith.
The anti-Muslim frenzy has grown over plans to build a mosque near the 9/11 site and repeated attempts by Republican lawmakers to ban Islamic Shari`ah in several US states.
US Muslims have been outraged by repeated scandals of FBI spying on their mosques and neighborhoods.
The Associated Press has recently revealed that the New York police monitored Muslim college students miles away from the city.
The agency found that New York police sent an undercover agent on a whitewater rafting trip, where he recorded students’ names and how many times they prayed.
Police detectives also trawled Muslim student websites every day and though professors and students had not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Mar31
{UMBS} Muslim cleric not welcome in France: Sarkozy
President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Monday that influential Qatar-based Sunni Muslim cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi was not welcome in France.
Egyptian-born Qaradawi, 86, has been invited to visit next month by the Union of Islamic Organisations in France.
“I told the emir of Qatar himself that this gentleman was not welcome in the territory of the French Republic,” Sarkozy told France Info radio.
Qaradawi, who hosts a popular show on Al-Jazeera satellite television, backed Arab Spring uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, and has launched a fund-raising effort for the Syrian opposition. (AFP)
Mar31
Guiness World Records Enters Book About Prophet as “World’s Largest Book”
It is the largest, the heaviest, and — at Dh11 million — the most costly book in the world.
The launching ceremony was attended by a constellation of the UAE’s top officials, diplomats, VIPs, high-profile businessmen and investors as well as prominent scholars and researchers and media figures.
This Is Mohammad highlights the lifetime achievements of Islam’s Prophet and the everlasting great influence of Islam on the international and humanitarian scene.
The most important goal of this project is to disseminate public awareness about Islam and Muslims, and to highlight aspects of the life of Prophet Mohammad, said the owner and publisher of the great book.The 420-page book weighs 1,000 kgs and is five metres in height and four metres in width.
The new book has already entered the Guinness Book of Records. The book, a new world record, has been made of a fine mixture of paper and leather, and printed out in Germany,” said Hossam Hamid, Advisor to Mshahed Group Dubai.
Guests at the official unveiling got the opportunity to participate in the “One Million Signatures Campaign”, and spectators were able to take pictures, sign on it and purchase a mini version of the book. The book will travel around the world to collect signatures from across all nations.
Sheikh Hamdan has ordered the publishing of 50,000 normal size copies of the book at his own expense as a prelude to handing them out to all target audiences cand expatriate communities in order to help them get better acquainted with the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
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بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ UMBS is a registered organization devoted to matters of interest to Muslims in Uganda.Muslims from other countries are welcome to join us too. Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Uganda-Muslim-Brothers-Sisters/128372957263072. Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/UMBSFORUM. To donate to UMBS activities, click on: http://um-bs.com/donate/ or just deposit money on UMBS Bank A/C at Bank of Africa:07074320002 . Join UMBS forum on facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/ugandamuslimbrotherssis/.
