KAMPALA- His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has returned home after a five-day official visit to the Republic of Tatarstan—an autonomous region located in the heart of the Russian Federation, approximately 497 miles east of Moscow.
Chairing the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) weekly National Management Committee meeting held every Tuesday at the UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala, on May 20, 2025, Mufti Mubaje praised the Russian government for its exceptional organization of the recently concluded 16th Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Economic Forum, held in Kazan City.
Mufti Mubaje spoke highly of the advancements within the Russian Federation, especially the Republic of Tatarstan, which is home to a significant Muslim population granted full freedom to practice their faith.
“Unlike during the era of the defunct Soviet Union when religious practice was banned, we witnessed a revival of Islamic faith. We were informed of dozens of mosques, and had the opportunity to visit the magnificent Kul Sharif Mosque in Kazan City,” he noted.
He also observed that the country is performing well economically, with a GDP estimated at $10,000—significantly higher than that of Uganda. The Mufti highlighted Russia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the Islamic world, including developing countries such as Uganda, through cooperation in trade, technology exchange, education, health, and most notably, the Halal industry.
“They showed particular interest in the Halal industry,” he added, emphasizing that Uganda stands to benefit through scholarship opportunities in science-related courses from Russia’s advanced universities.
In conclusion, Mufti Mubaje shared that he held wide-ranging discussions with top officials, including a Special Assistant to the Russian President, who promised to arrange a future visit for a UMSC delegation. This follow-up mission, he said, is expected to result in the formalization of bilateral cooperation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Hon. Counsel Muhammad Ali Aluma, who accompanied the Mufti, also spoke about several high-level engagements they held with dignitaries attending the conference. He pointed out that Dr. Sheikh Mubaje was the only Mufti invited from the entire African continent.
Also present at the UMSC management meeting were His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti, and His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the Second Deputy Mufti.
