The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has applauded Turkish charitable organisations and international philanthropists for their continued investment in Muslim education and humanitarian programmes in Uganda, describing their contributions as vital to improving the welfare of vulnerable communities and expanding educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.
The commendation was delivered by the Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, who represented the Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, at the official commissioning of the multimillion-shilling Hedef Islamic and Vocational Institute, Kigo Girls Campus, in Wakiso District.
Located in Nziranumbo Village, Upper Munyonyo, Kigo, the institution was officially inaugurated in a development that marks another milestone in efforts to promote girls’ education and vocational training.
The project was funded with support from Germany-based philanthropists Marc Gebauer and Sahin, the founding director of Sahin Help Organisation, in partnership with Uganda-based Holistic Empowerment Development Foundation and Ngali Development Foundation.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, Sheikh Waiswa described the institution as a landmark investment in Muslim education and a testament to growing cooperation between Uganda and Türkiye in education and humanitarian development.
He commended the donors for their generosity and urged parents, learners and school administrators to ensure that the facilities are effectively utilised to achieve the institution’s objectives.
The newly commissioned campus, which features Turkish-inspired architectural designs, boasts modern facilities, including an administration block, fully furnished classrooms, computer laboratories, dormitories equipped with beds and wardrobes, dining halls, washrooms and dedicated prayer rooms.
Speaking at the same function, the UMSC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, praised the philanthropists, particularly Sahin, for extending humanitarian assistance beyond the education sector.
Aluma highlighted several interventions undertaken by the charitable organisations, including food relief programmes, the annual distribution of sacrificial animals during Eid al-Adha and the construction of boreholes to provide safe drinking water to underserved communities.
He noted that these initiatives had contributed to improving living conditions among vulnerable Ugandans.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu of the UMSC Education Department welcomed the establishment of the institution, saying it complemented the council’s efforts to make education accessible to children from financially disadvantaged families.
He particularly commended the donors for providing free educational opportunities and urged the institution’s management to incorporate Uganda’s national curriculum into its academic programmes to ensure that learners obtain qualifications recognised by the government.
Speaking on behalf of the donors, Sahin said the institution was established not merely to provide academic instruction but also to create a safe and supportive environment where girls could develop their talents and pursue their aspirations.
“We were really delighted to give 60 girls a home where they feel safe and loved, and also a place where they can learn, grow and have a chance for a better future,” Sahin said.
He revealed that the Kigo Girls Campus was the third project established by his organisation in Uganda, reaffirming its commitment to supporting education and sustainable community development.
Sahin also announced plans to expand the institution through the construction of a kindergarten and a skills development centre on the same premises.
The announcement was followed by a groundbreaking ceremony for the two proposed facilities, signalling further investment in early childhood education and practical skills training.
Ngali Development Foundation Country Director Suleyman Hilmi described the project as a practical demonstration of the foundation’s guiding motto: “Helping you to help others.”
The event concluded with the official opening of the campus, a guided tour of its facilities and a luncheon hosted by the organisers.
The establishment of the Kigo Girls Campus represents a significant boost to girls’ education in Wakiso District, particularly for learners from disadvantaged Muslim families. It also strengthens partnerships between Ugandan institutions and international charitable organisations, with the potential to expand access to education, vocational training and other essential community services.