The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has launched a nationwide resource mobilization campaign aimed at supporting financially disadvantaged students and strengthening infrastructure at the Islamic Call University College (ICUC).
The initiative was unveiled at the National Mosque in Old Kampala, and comes in response to the growing number of needy students enrolled at ICUC a university under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) with more than 900 students, most of whom require financial aid.
In his address, Mufti Mubaje emphasized that the university's survival has depended entirely on UMSC since its affiliation with Libya collapsed following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi's government.
He recounted how the institution was originally established through high-level lobbying by Ugandan Muslim leaders, including himself and Prof. Dr. Badru Kiggundu, with support from the Libyan government.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
With the loss of external funding, the Mufti said ICUC has faced serious financial constraints, prompting the establishment of several initiatives most notably the Mufti's Bursary Fund.
This program has so far supported over 1,000 academically qualified but financially vulnerable students across the country, with contributions from international donors such as Insan Charity (Kuwait), One UMMAH, and individual benefactors.
"The demand is far greater than the resources available," the Mufti stated in his written remarks.
He called on Muslims including families, business owners, professionals, and the diaspora to sponsor students, adopt scholarship packages, or contribute in any amount.
"Every shilling counts," he said. "Every child educated uplifts a family, a community, and a nation. And remember, your support is sadaqah jariyah a form of ongoing charity whose rewards continue beyond your lifetime."
He further appealed to organizations and development partners to formalize their support through long-term scholarship commitments and asked well-wishers to amplify the campaign through their networks.
Speaking at the same event, Prof. Dr. Badru Kiggundu, who chairs the ICUC Governing Council, outlined the structure of the fundraising initiative, pledging accountability and transparency in the use of donated funds.
The event concluded with several prominent Muslim figures making pledges and donating funds on the spot.
UMSC Spokesperson Ashiraf Zziwa said the campaign will continue across mosques and Muslim communities nationwide to ensure the university's long-term sustainability and expand access to higher education for underprivileged students.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
