The titular head of Uganda’s Muslim community, Prince Dr Khasim Nakibinge Kkaangulu, has called for stronger cooperation between Muslim and Christian leaders to promote peace, unity and socio-economic development in communities.
Nakibinge made the call during celebrations to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and the inauguration of Sheikh Badiruh Wasajja Kiruuta as the Greater Masaka Regional Kadhi.
He said religious leaders should deepen cooperation and concentrate on issues that unite communities instead of allowing differences in religious beliefs to undermine their shared responsibility to improve people’s lives.
“We need this cooperation to grow stronger for our own good. We should all focus on what binds us together as a people rather than capitalising on our religious differences,” Nakibinge said.
He said closer collaboration between religious institutions would enable them to complement each other in tackling social and economic challenges affecting their followers, including poverty, illiteracy, disease and other community problems.
According to Nakibinge, the cordial relationship between Muslim and Christian leaders in Greater Masaka provides an example that should be replicated in other parts of the country.
He also cautioned young people against selling family land, urging them to preserve the resource and put it to productive use.
Nakibinge encouraged those with the capacity to engage in commercial agriculture to use their land for farming, while those unable to undertake large-scale agricultural activities could plant trees as a n alternative to selling their property.
The Supreme Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabizi, also commended Muslim and Christian leaders in Masaka for demonstrating peaceful coexistence and unity despite their religious differences.
Galabizi urged Muslims to emulate the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, saying his example should guide believers in strengthening their faith and earning respect within society.
The Masaka Diocesan Bishop, Severus Jjumba, pledged continued cooperation between the Catholic Church and other religious institutions in addressing challenges affecting communities.
Bishop Jjumba said religious institutions have a shared responsibility to tackle problems such as poverty, disease, illiteracy and domestic violence.
He also pointed to the historical links between Christianity and Islam, saying their common origins should encourage believers to work together for the good of society.
The newly installed Greater Masaka Regional Kadhi, Sheikh Wasajja Kiruuta, pledged to make unity among Muslims one of his priorities while promoting socio-economic transformation across the region.
He also committed to supporting initiatives aimed at improving education and healthcare services and strengthening the welfare of the Muslim community.
The inauguration of the regional Kadhi and the Prophet Muhammad birthday celebrations brought together Muslim and Christian leaders, providing a platform for renewed calls for religious harmony and joint community development.
