The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) is launching a national initiative to skill, rehabilitate, de-radicalise and economically empower Muslim youth. The initiative, dubbed the National Muslim Youth Skilling, Rehabilitation, De-radicalisation and Empowerment Centres, aims to address challenges affecting young people, including radicalisation, unemployment and drug abuse. This move is part of efforts to provide young people with opportunities for skills development, mentorship, leadership training and economic empowerment.
The initiative will be launched during the National Muslim Youth Convention scheduled for October 28 and 29 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala. The convention, organised under the theme "A Guided Youth Leadership: A Foundation for Mindset Change and Skills Development for a De-radicalized, Socially and Economically Empowered Future Generation," will bring together young Muslims to connect, learn and contribute to the development of the Muslim community and Uganda at large.
UMSC Secretary for Religious Affairs Sheikh Ssali Imran Abdunoor has called on District Kadhis to mobilise young people to participate in the convention. In a circular dated September 22, 2026, Sheikh Ssali urged district Muslim leaders to work with Regional Assistants to the Mufti, District Muslim Youth Council leadership and other Muslim structures to ensure adequate preparation and participation of the youth.
The convention will feature a Halal Expo and Business Forum on October 28, where Muslim businesses, products and initiatives will be showcased. Participants will have an opportunity to network and establish business linkages. The District Youth Secretary, District Muslim Youth Council councillors and representatives are expected to attend the first day's activities.
On October 29, the main National Muslim Youth Convention will include leadership discussions, skills development sessions and national youth engagements. This will also mark the launch of the National Muslim Youth Skilling, Rehabilitation, De-radicalisation and Empowerment Centres Initiative. UMSC Secretary General Hajji Mulubya Abas has previously urged Muslim youth to embrace entrepreneurship and skills acquisition.
The UMSC Youth Council has identified poverty, drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, radicalisation and unemployment as challenges requiring practical interventions for young people. The council aims to create a platform for young Muslims to connect, learn and contribute to the development of the Muslim community and Uganda at large.
The success of the convention, according to Sheikh Ssali, will depend on the commitment of Muslim leaders at all levels. The UMSC has urged District Kadhis to work closely with youth leaders and other Muslim leadership structures to ensure effective mobilisation ahead of the October convention.
Key points
- UMSC to establish skilling and rehabilitation centres for Muslim youth
- National Muslim Youth Convention to be held on October 28 and 29
- Initiative aims to address radicalisation, unemployment and drug abuse among young people
