His Excellency Sheikh Abdu Rahman Abdullah Al-Mahmoud, Qatar's former Chief Justice of the Sharia Court, has arrived in Uganda as a special guest of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) for the National Muslim Youth Convention. The convention is scheduled to take place on October 28 and 29, 2026, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Sheikh Al-Mahmoud is also the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the international charitable organisation Munazzamat Al-Dawa Al-Islamiyya.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to preside over the main event on Thursday, October 29. The convention aims to bring together Muslim youth from across the country, religious leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs, and development partners to discuss youth leadership, vocational skills, employment, and economic empowerment. This gathering is an initiative of the UMSC to empower the youth and address pressing issues affecting them.
Organisers of the convention say it will provide a platform to launch a national youth skilling and empowerment initiative intended to address unemployment and promote rehabilitation and de-radicalisation. The programme includes plans to establish vocational training centres across Uganda's 10 Muslim regions to equip young people with practical skills and improve their employment and entrepreneurship prospects. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of many young Muslims in Uganda.
The convention's programme also features a Muslim Youth Expo and Halal Business Forum, where young entrepreneurs and other participants are expected to showcase businesses and opportunities in areas including agriculture, technology, education, and vocational training. Other planned activities include farming demonstrations and a free medical camp. These activities are designed to provide a comprehensive experience for the participants and foster networking opportunities.
Sheikh Al-Mahmoud was received at Entebbe International Airport by a UMSC delegation led by the Second Deputy Mufti, His Eminence Dr Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya. Other officials present included Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, and His Excellency Sheikh Twaha Uthuman Musa Kajaaya, the Mufti's Special Envoy to the Republic of South Sudan.
After his arrival, the visiting dignitary was escorted to the UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala, where he was received by the Deputy Mufti, His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, on behalf of the Mufti, His Eminence Dr Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, who is attending an international conference in Russia. The delegation held discussions with the Deputy Mufti in his office, after which Sheikh Al-Mahmoud and his entourage signed the visitors' book before departing for their accommodation in Kampala.
Speaking to the media before the delegation left the UMSC headquarters, Sheikh Kajaaya, who chairs the National Organising Committee, called on Muslims and all Ugandans to attend the convention in large numbers and extend the country's hospitality to the visiting dignitary. He said entry to the event and refreshments would be free for all participants. The convention is expected to be a significant event in Uganda's Muslim community, promoting unity and empowerment among young Muslims.
Key points
- The National Muslim Youth Convention aims to bring together Muslim youth and stakeholders to discuss pressing issues affecting the youth.
- The convention will feature a Muslim Youth Expo and Halal Business Forum to showcase businesses and opportunities.
- The event is expected to launch a national youth skilling and empowerment initiative to address unemployment and promote rehabilitation and de-radicalisation.
