The Speaker of Parliament has backed the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’s (UMSC) appeal for the recognition of Rabi al-Awwal and the national commemoration of Maulid al-Nabi, saying the move would promote religious inclusion, freedom and national unity. The message from Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth was delivered by the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama, during the National Maulid celebrations held at the UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala on Tuesday.
“Parliament hears you, and Parliament supports you,” Oboth said in a message read on his behalf by Nakadama.
The Speaker said Parliament would support engagements between the Muslim community and government on the recognition of Maulid, describing the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings on mercy, truthfulness, justice, humility and selfless service as principles that remain relevant to Uganda’s development.
Oboth said the values associated with the Prophet align with the priorities of the 12th Parliament, including zero tolerance to corruption, accountability, open parliamentary debate, people-centred legislation, resource-based budgeting and proactive oversight.
He also commended the contribution of the Muslim community to Uganda’s social and economic development through education, healthcare, financial inclusion and other social services.
“These developmental institutions are non-sectarian. A child who studies in a Muslim-founded school or a patient who receives treatment in a Muslim-founded hospital is served based on human dignity, not religious affiliation,” Oboth said. The Speaker further welcomed the establishment and operationalisation of Islamic banking in Uganda, saying it provides ethical financial products that could promote equity, support small businesses and contribute to poverty alleviation.
He pledged that Parliament would continue supporting initiatives that promote social justice, religious inclusion and national unity, while advocating peaceful coexistence among Ugandans regardless of their religious faith, ethnicity or background. Oboth, who was unable to attend the celebrations physically because of prior parliamentary commitments, said he was nevertheless pleased to join Muslims in commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
He said the lessons of Rabi al-Awwal should inspire Ugandans to uphold justice, honesty, integrity and selfless service. Nakadama, who represented the Speaker at the event, urged Muslims to strengthen their unity, saying a united Muslim community would have a stronger voice in national affairs. “I want to thank you for bringing the Muslims together. That is what we are praying for and let us continue celebrating as Muslims and coming together. When we are united, we become stronger and stronger,” she said. Nakadama encouraged Muslims to respond in large numbers whenever the Mufti calls them to communal activities as a demonstration that they are united.
“When we are united, you will be felt, and it will be enjoyed. But when you are not united, they will say, ‘These who are not united, even if we don’t give them, it is not all that.’ We need to be together,” she said. Her remarks come at a time when the UMSC has intensified calls for recognition of 12th Rabi al-Awwal as a national public holiday, arguing that the commemoration can provide an opportunity for Islamic education, charity, community service, youth mentorship and national reflection.
Mufti of Uganda Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje used the occasion to call for an end to bitter arguments among Muslims over the permissibility of Maulid. Mubaje said Muslims have different interpretations of the practice and should respect one another rather than attack or label those who hold opposing views.
He said excessive arguments about whether Maulid is an innovation or permissible risk distracting Muslims from more pressing challenges, including wars, hunger, poverty, and the loss of innocent lives. “Why are you so indifferent because of Maulid? Social media is full of debates and arguments about whether Maulid is an innovation, permitted or prohibited. Is that the only issue in Islam for Muslims in a world filled with injustices, endless wars, hunger, starvation, and deaths?” Mubaje asked.
He said Muslims who do not wish to celebrate the Prophet’s birth should be allowed to follow their interpretation, while those who commemorate it should not be attacked. “If you don’t want to celebrate the Prophet’s birth, it’s your choice. But there is no need for despising one another or calling each other names,” he said.
Mubaje instead urged Muslims to use Maulid to teach children about the life, character and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He called for Quran recitation, Adhan and competitions on the history and life of the Prophet as part of efforts to strengthen Islamic knowledge among younger generations. The Mufti also announced plans to review and streamline the Islamic school curriculum, saying differences in religious education and exposure to different schools of thought had contributed to misunderstandings among Ugandan Muslims. The National Maulid celebrations attracted diplomats, businessmen, government officials, regional assistants to the Mufti, Kadhis and ordinary Muslims from different parts of the country-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
