The Mufti made the remarks during Friday prayers in Nansana, where Muslim leaders also prayed for PLE candidates and recognised imams who completed management courses.
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has commended the government for recognising the contributions of the late Sheikh Ibrahim Nkangi to Islam, education and community development.
Mubaje made the remarks during Friday congregational prayers at Masjid Rahman in Nansana, Wakiso District, where Muslim leaders also prayed for Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) candidates and recognised imams who had completed management courses.
The gathering was organised by Wakiso Muslim District under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and attracted Muslim leaders, students, parents and local leaders.
During the prayers, Mubaje urged PLE candidates to combine faith with hard work, discipline and honesty as they prepare for their examinations. He also called on parents, teachers and community leaders to support learners spiritually and materially.
“Prayer and hard work go together. Our children have prepared, our teachers have done their part, and now we turn to Allah to crown their efforts with success,” Mubaje told the congregation.
A key highlight of the event was a tribute to Nkangi, remembered for his contributions to Islamic scholarship, education and community mobilisation in Wakiso and beyond.
Mubaje said the government's recognition of the late cleric was an acknowledgement of the role religious leaders play in promoting peace, unity and national development.
“We applaud the Government of Uganda for recognising the legacy of our late Sheikh Ibrahim Nkangi. This honour is not only for his family but for the entire Muslim fraternity. It shows that the service of religious leaders to this nation is valued and remembered,” he said.
Mubaje added that recognising religious leaders who have served their communities would inspire younger generations to uphold dedication, integrity and patriotism.
The event also recognised imams who had completed management courses at Namasuba College of Commerce.
According to Wakiso Muslim District officials, the training covered management, administration, financial literacy and leadership, equipping the imams with skills to improve the administration of mosques and Muslim-founded projects.
Mubajje congratulated the graduates and urged them to apply their knowledge to improve service delivery and promote development within their communities.
“Islam encourages knowledge. An Imam who is well equipped with management skills will better serve his mosque and his community. I urge you to be exemplary and use these skills to transform your communities,” he said.
The Head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadija Namyalo Uzeiye, who attended the function, pledged start-up capital to help the graduates establish income-generating activities.
Namyalo said the support would enable the imams to apply their newly acquired skills while contributing to economic empowerment at the grassroots.
“Through the Office of the National Chairman, we are committed to empowering our people at the grassroots. These Imams have acquired skills, and as ONC, we shall provide them with start-up capital to begin income-generating activities in their respective areas. This is part of our broader empowerment agenda for all Ugandans,” she said.
She added that empowering religious leaders economically could help address poverty and enable mosques to contribute to both spiritual and socioeconomic development.
Namyalo also pledged continued cooperation between the ONC and UMSC on development initiatives targeting Muslim communities.
In recognition of her contribution to Muslim development programmes, Mubajje presented Namyalo with an award, praising her support for youth and women's empowerment initiatives and her engagement with Muslim leaders.
“This award is in recognition of your selfless service and commitment to uplifting Muslims, especially the youth, women, and our religious leaders. We appreciate your office, and we pray that Allah rewards you abundantly,” Mubaje said.
Namyalo thanked the Muslim leadership for the recognition and pledged to continue working with religious leaders to promote development and unity.
The gathering concluded with prayers for the late Sheikh Nkangi, PLE candidates, peace and stability in Uganda, and the continued growth of Islam.
Wakiso Muslim District leaders thanked Mubaje for attending the prayers and providing guidance to the Muslim community. They also acknowledged government support for Muslim development initiatives through the ONC.
Similar prayers for PLE candidates have been organised in other Muslim districts as part of UMSC's spiritual support for learners ahead of their examinations.