The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Russia have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen religious ties, promote peaceful coexistence, and expand humanitarian collaboration between Uganda and Russia. The agreement was signed in Moscow on October 27, 2026, by Uganda's Mufti, Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, and His Eminence Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, chairman of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Russia.
The partnership aims to create opportunities for exchanging experiences, strengthening institutional relations, and collaborating on initiatives that promote mutual understanding and shared moral values. The agreement is expected to support efforts to promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and constructive engagement among religious communities. This cooperation is also seen as a way to foster service to communities.
The agreement was one of several signed with African Muslim councils and organizations represented at an international conference in Moscow. The conference, themed "Spiritual Bridges: Russia and Africa. Dialogue for Peace and Development," brought together religious leaders, government representatives, academics, and civil society members to explore ways to strengthen spiritual and humanitarian relations between Russia and Africa.
Discussions at the conference focused on humanitarian cooperation, interfaith dialogue, and the preservation of spiritual and moral values. The role of religious institutions in promoting understanding across cultural and geographical boundaries was also highlighted. The conference emphasized the potential for religious institutions to contribute to peacebuilding and stronger social relations between communities.
Ahead of the conference, Sheikh Mubaje met with Sheikh Gainutdin to discuss religious cooperation and interfaith relations. Sheikh Mubaje highlighted Uganda's experience in interfaith cooperation, including the work of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda in promoting peace and addressing social challenges such as poverty and access to education.
Sheikh Mubaje's participation in the conference reflects the UMSC's engagement in international religious dialogue. As chair of the African Forum for Muslim Councils and co-chair of the African Councils of Religious Leaders for Peace, he also plays a leadership role in Uganda's Muslim community. The cooperation agreement provides a platform for the UMSC to share Uganda's experience in interfaith relations while learning from Russian and other African religious institutions.
The conference was organized by the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Russia as part of broader efforts to strengthen spiritual and humanitarian ties between Russia and African countries. The agreements concluded during the conference mark a significant step towards fostering cooperation and understanding between Russia and Africa's Muslim communities.
Key points
- The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and Russia's Spiritual Board of Muslims have signed a cooperation agreement to promote peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue.
- The agreement aims to create opportunities for exchanging experiences and strengthening institutional relations between the two institutions.
- The partnership is expected to support efforts to promote mutual understanding, shared moral values, and service to communities.
