His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has hosted two prominent Omani businessmen, His Highness Prince Barghash Turki Al Said and Mr. Faiz Muhammad Al Shikely. They were accompanied by Mr. Ali Kachope Kabalega, an Attaché at the Ugandan Embassy in Oman.
The delegation visited the Mufti at his office at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Headquarters on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
The guests expressed delight over their visit to Uganda, commending its natural beauty, lush greenery, favorable tropical climate, and the warm hospitality of its people.
In his remarks, Mr. Faiz Muhammad spoke highly of the historical ties between Oman and East Africa, tracing the arrival of the first Omani Arabs to the region in the early 18th century. “The Omani government of recent has rolled out initiatives meant to revive that rich historical cooperation that was there for many centuries between Oman and the East African people,” he said. He also disclosed that their visit aimed to explore business opportunities in Uganda.

In his welcoming remarks, Mufti Mubaje reiterated the history of Omani traders coming to the East African region, including Uganda, as they journeyed inland from the Indian Ocean in search of the source of the Nile. He noted that this historic interaction also facilitated the spread of Islam, which remains deeply rooted in the region to this day.
The Mufti warmly welcomed the delegation to the UMSC and provided a brief history of the Council, highlighting its activities and achievements since its establishment 52 years ago. He praised recent contributions by Omani nationals to Islamic activities in Uganda, citing the recent construction and inauguration of Masjid Madina in Bugiri Municipal Town by Deputy Mufti His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Echoing his guests’ admiration of Uganda’s natural beauty, Mufti Mubaje referenced the famous colonial description of Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa.” He added, “I have indeed interacted with so many foreigners who, in turn, have confessed to me that they don’t leave this country because of its natural beauty, including its good climate, fresh water, natural forests, rivers, mountains, and abundance of investment opportunities. Uganda is peaceful, where all citizens have the freedom to practice their religious beliefs, and Ugandans work together regardless of ethnicity or faith groups for the common good under the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU). Above all, the hospitality of its citizens is unmatched.”
The Mufti proposed exploring brotherly cooperation between the UMSC and the Omani Ministry of Islamic Affairs, suggesting the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This idea was welcomed by the Omani delegation, who promised to follow up with the relevant government authorities in both countries.
Present at the meeting was His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafidh Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the Second Deputy Mufti. Before their departure, the delegation toured the National Mosque complex.