KAWEMPE -His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, took time from his busy schedule on Thursday morning, October 17th, 2024, to visit Haj Abdul Lutalo, a businessman who operates a shop in Wandegeya, a suburb of Kampala, and resides in Kawempe Mbogo, Kawempe Division. Haj Lutalo has been battling heart failure for several years.
The Mufti, accompanied by Sheikh Imran Abdnoor Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs; Sheikh Ali Juma Shiwuyu, Secretary for Hajj & Umrah; and Sheikh Abdu-Karim Abdullah Katamba, Secretary for Halal, was warmly received by Haj Lutalo. Despite his frail condition, Haj Lutalo was overjoyed and expressed his gratitude.
“This day will remain memorable to my family for having Your Eminence visiting us,” said Haj Lutalo, smiling warmly as he embraced the Mufti. He shared details about his health condition and the treatment he is receiving, including the care provided by a dedicated medic at home.
Haj Lutalo further shared with the Mufti how much he misses attending Friday congregational prayers at the National Mosque, which had been his regular practice since the establishment of the UMSC in 1972. It has also been an integral part of his spiritual life to perform Umrah and Hajj annually for the past 41 years. “I also miss the places I chose for myself whenever I visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he added.
In response, Mufti Mubaje acknowledged Haj Lutalo’s absence from Friday prayers, which had prompted him to inquire about his situation. After learning about his illness, the Mufti decided to visit and pray for him.
The Mufti recited several verses from the Holy Qur’an along with sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to offer spiritual encouragement. He reminded Haj Lutalo that Almighty Allah continues to bless and reward a pious servant, even if they are unable to practice their usual acts of worship due to illness. “Whenever you see a servant frequenting a mosque, it is a sign of their piety and consciousness of God,” Sheikh Mubaje remarked, assuring Haj Lutalo that God would reward him abundantly. The visit concluded with the Mufti offering supplications, beseeching Almighty Allah to grant Haj Lutalo good health and a swift recovery.
In the same spirit, Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, the UMSC Education Secretary, represented the Mufti at the annual memorial prayers for the late Haj Mahmud Kateregga Namuguzi Sebuganda Senior, former head of the Mpologoma (Lion) Clan of Buganda. The prayers were organized by the deceased’s family at their home in Kawempe, under the stewardship of his heir, Haj Mahmood Kateregga Namuguzi Sebuganda Junior, a UMSC Executive Member.
During his sermon, which was supported by verses from the Holy Qur’an, Sheikh Cucu reminded the faithful to be mindful of their temporary stay on Earth. “Allah had intended for man to live permanently in Paradise, but after Adam’s error, he was sent to Earth as a place of testing. Many mistake the Earth for their permanent home, yet it is only temporary,” he remarked. He urged the congregation to strive to do good as they journey back to eternity, where they will dwell permanently.
Sheikh Cucu also commended the family of the late Haj Kateregga for preserving his legacy as a pious Muslim who supported various Islamic activities throughout his life. This aligns with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who said that when a person dies, leaving behind a pious child, they continue to receive divine rewards from God.
The event was graced by several notable figures in the community, including Sheikh Murshid Luwemba, Secretary for Dawah – Islamic Propagation,Sheikh Badru Muwonge , Kawempe District Kadhi, Haj Ibrahim Ssekyanzi, father to Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General among others.
