Despite differences in their religious doctrines, Muslim and Christian leaders have called for greater unity and cooperation, saying closer collaboration is essential to promoting sustainable peace and driving socio-economic transformation among their congregations.
The call was made in Masaka City on Tuesday during celebrations to mark the 1,501st birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, where interfaith leaders joined the Greater Masaka Muslim Community to witness the inauguration of Sheikh Badru Wasajja Kiruuta as the new Masaka Regional Supreme Kadhi under the Kibuli-based Muslim leadership.
Prince Dr Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, the head of the Kibuli Muslim faction, said the peaceful convergence of interfaith leaders in Masaka should provide a foundation for greater cooperation in addressing challenges affecting their communities. Nakibinge urged religious leaders across the country to emulate the peaceful coexistence and tolerance demonstrated by clerics in Masaka by embracing unity in diversity rather than dwelling on ideological differences.
He noted that once they cooperate, the interfaith leaders can overcome many of the challenges affecting their congregations by working together and engaging in dialogue rather than operating in isolation within their respective denominations. Nakibinge said Uganda is yearning for a time when leaders can put aside divisions based on religion, ethnicity and political affiliation and instead champion ideas that promote the common good.
His appeal was echoed by Masaka Catholic Bishop Severus Jjumba, who highlighted the close relationship between Christianity and Islam and urged the faithful to focus on what unites them rather than their differences. Bishop Jjumba pledged that the Catholic Church in Masaka Diocese will continue working with other religious institutions to devise ways to address challenges affecting communities, including poverty, disease, illiteracy, and domestic violence, among others.
He also observed the need for religious leaders to broaden their preaching beyond matters of faith to address the physical and social well-being of their congregations by promoting hard work and development. Jjumba pledged to champion the campaign for greater cooperation among religious leaders in the region.
Meanwhile, Supreme Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi challenged Sheikh Kiruuta to contribute to the development of the Muslim community by initiating income-generating projects right from household levels. He urged Muslim faithful to emulate the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, whom he described as a strong pillar of their faith and social well-being.
After taking his oath of service, Sheikh Kiruuta pledged to serve the Muslim community with utmost commitment, saying he would focus on strengthening cohesion among Muslims and mobilising them for socio-economic transformation. He appealed to Muslims in the region to support him in executing his responsibilities for the benefit of the community-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
