BUSOGA AFRICAN MUSLIM JAMATH: THE PROFILE

Officially founded in 1948, the Busoga African Muslim Jamath-Jinja (BAMJ) is one of the pioneer indigenous Islamic propagation organizations founded in Uganda’s south eastern Sub-region of Busoga. It had been informally operational since the 1920s. Since inception to date, the organization has been a Sunni Muslim Organisation anchored on the principles of “Ahlal sunnat wal jama’at” 

At its formal registration in 1949, the Jamath [jamaat] took a profile of a Trust, undertaking the tasks of spreading the Islamic faith through the doctrine of Da’wah or propagation of the Islamic message through marshaling constructive behaviors and positive attitudes in the region. 

BAMJ undertook to building of mosques, inducting converts and conducting outreach programs for the under privileged in society. The organization had programs to help orphans, widows, the elderly and those in need. In order to do this, the founding fathers thought it wise to secure space as the base for BAMJ’s operations. Land measuring 2.22 acres was secured in Walukuba area in Jinja town in the mid-1950s on which the organization’s headquarters was set up housing a mosque, a Imam House and later on a Muslim founded secular secondary school. 

Social services 

Social services undertaken by the founding fathers were often used as points to spread the word of Allah at a time the Muslim faith was not grounded enough in the country. Through its model, BAMJ believed that positive social work and religion are intertwined and that personal beliefs and religious practices are often the reason for choosing a career in social work. 

The organization undertook the provision of education and healthcare as a top priority area and medium of further spreading the faith in this pristine of environments. 

BAMJ founding fathers also focused on ensuring access to safe and clean water through protection of water springs, undertaking programs on hygiene in the community, encouraging tree planting especially fruit trees for environmental and feeding purposes. 

Membership and leadership 

Whereas at inception, the organization had only 50 registered members, these increased to hundreds over time. Presently Muslims constitute 13.70% of Uganda’s total population of 45.85 million. The highest concentration of the Muslim populace is in South Eastern Sub- Region of Busoga. 

Although there are various factors that can be attributed for the South Eastern region of Busoga enjoying the highest concentration of the Muslim populace, the role of the founding fathers of BAMJ and the organization’s role is noticeable. 

The organization had its founding leaders and Trustees who steered its progress and they included Sheikh Hajj. Shariff Ali as the founding Chairman, Sheikh Zakaria Kezaala Bin Mubarak Marjan and Sheikh Fadhal -Al-Mulla – Awazi as the trustees. 

The earlier work of Sheikh Abu and his brother Sheikh Hajj Sharaff Ali in tutoring early young Muslim was outstanding. They arrived from Somalia as merchants along with their brother Nur Chande Shariff Ali who chose to remain in business as the other 2 brothers took the spiritual path. Although Sheikh Fadhal Al-Mullah Awazi was already knowledgeable, elderly, and tutoring people on the Islamic doctrines by the time the 2 Arab sheikhs arrived, on the contrary, Sheikh Zakaria Kezaala was still young and not knowledgeable. He was therefore tutored by the 2 Arab sheikhs and in return both tutored other people. Many of the people they tutored became change agents in the propagation of the Islamic faith in Uganda. 

BAMJ weigh down: The revival 

The eventual deaths of the organization’s founding officials named above as well as all its original members seemed to have slowed down BAMJ vitality for a while. However, it must be noted that Mr. Saeed Saleh Bin Saleh Bin Sheikh Hajj Shariff Ali and Hajj Mutungi Muhammed Bin Ali Mutungi along with the Walukuba Muslim community have diligently served as custodians of the Trust property and activities at the BAMJ headquarters in Walukuba until the Trust’s revival in 2019. 

Throughout these years, Mr. Saeed Saleh Bin Saleh Bin Sheikh Hajj Shariff Ali and Hajj Mutungi Muhammed Bin Ali Mutungi have taken on the responsibility of bearing all the expenses associated with the maintenance of the premises and financing of the religious activities conducted there. Hajj Muhammed Ali Mutungi assumed the role of the first mosque chairman, a position he has held up to today. Hajj Muhammed Ali Mutungi was inspired into the role of working for the Mosque from his late father, Mzee Ali Mutungi, who was a regular volunteer at the mosque. 

Mosque Chairmen 

The trustees of BAMJ, the county Muslim committee as well as the mosque committee decided to maintain the legendary Mosque chairman Hajj Mohammed Mutungi Bin Ali Mutungi to continue steering the noble aspirations of the Muslim community in the area as per his proven record. It can be noted that in the recent Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) elections, Ismail Batabaire alias “Goodman” was elected as Mosque chairman. However after guidance by the constitution of UMSC, to the effect that leadership of Mosques founded by Muslim Trusts is a responsibility of the Trustees and that Mosques that serve as headquarters for County (Twale) under UMSC, leadership is determined by the county Kadhi, that choice through elections, was accordingly harmonized. 

The Mosque Imams 

The Mosque has had a number of people who have served as the Imams and they have included; Sheikh Abu, Sheikh Hajj Shariff Ali, Sheikh Saleh Hajj Shariff Ali, Sheikh Zakaria Kezaala, Sheikh Adbulhamed Maliwa, Sheikh Musa Bulo, Sheikh Ibrahim Byaye, Sheikh Ali Kabuluku and the current Imam, Sheikh Abdallah Waiswa. They served in the ascending order as they appear above. 

Trust Revival 

At the Trust revival in 2019, the Association had 37 registered members among whom new trustees and Association leaders were elected. A few children of some of the founding members together with the Muslim community of the Walukubaarea where the BAMJ headquarters are based as well as other Muslims from Jinja and Busoga sub-region by extension, have since revived the activities of this Muslim Trust. The Trust revival was coordinated and chaired retired Colonel Ibrahim Galandi, who was the Chairman of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Jinja district at the time. He had also served as Uganda’s Agriculture Minister in the 1970s. 

The son of the late trustee, Sheikh Zakaria Kezaala, Ambassador Mohammed Baswari Kezaala who had also served as The Mayor Jinja Municipal Council for 10 years up to 2016 was elected a Trustee and President; Sheikh Ahmed Ezzedin Kibirige was also elected as a Trustee and Vice President, Hajj Muhammad Rajab Walangalira as Honorable Secretary; Sheik Ibrahim Sharif Kyebagadha as Jt. Secretary, Sheikh Abdul Al Rahman Tahir Kigenyi as Treasurer. These form the interim management committee of the Trust. 

Members of the Executive Committee include; Sheikh Ismael Adi Basoga, Sheikh Uthman Timuntu, Sheikh Abubakhar Awuye, Sheikh Abdulhakim Maliwa, Sheikh UthmanMbuubi, Sheikh Ahmad Masaba, Mr. Abasi Wakinhankaali, Haji Swaibu Samanya Kisuule and Sheikh Hamza Kisina who also helps management in routine work. 

New Projects planned 

Currently, the Trust has embarked on the process of making financial and development plans for projects to develop its land, which projects can rhyme with the modern times while blending with the founders’ trajectory. 

Some of the projects anticipated include the following; 

A.     A new wide storied modern mosque at the TRUST headquarters to accommodate the increased numbers of the Muslim faithful. The current prayer hall was built in late 1950s when Uganda’s population was a mere 5 million people compared to 45.8 million people today. As the country’s population grows, so does the Muslim populace which is exponential. 

B.     Amadrasawhichwillperfectlyrhymewiththevisionofthefoundingfatherswhowere doing the same at the current mosque. The need for one has never been greater than it is today in this contemporary uncertain world. 

C.     Construction of a vocational skills development incubation center to equip the youth with skills of living. Affordable charges to the learners will generate income for the TRUST to do its other obligations. 

D.    Construction of a new storied secondary school for maximum space utilization equipped with laboratories, a library, a sports facility, a dining hall as well as a residential and administration facility. The facility will be able to accommodate more learners suited for the employment market. Affordable charges to the learners will generate income for the TRUST to fulfill its other obligations. 

E.     Amodernhealthfacilitytoservethecommunityataffordablefeesaswellasgenerate income for the Association to execute its other obligations. 

F.     A small shopping mall and shops to serve the community as well as serving as WAQFU to the TRUST activities. 

G.    An auditorium to host activities for the TRUST facilities as well as hiring it out to outsiders to generate income for the TRUST activities.

H.    Thereareplanstosetupapoultryandlivestockfarmelsewheretogenerateincomefor activities of the trust. 

I.      Provision of safe drinking water to communities by drilling bore holes. 

J.      A bursary scheme to promote education for vulnerable families. 

K.     An outreach program to the under privileged communities for the provision of health care and feeding. 

L.      Provision of startup projects for the youth and women. 

M.   The Trust has a program to plant trees to fight desertification which is threatening humanity in different ways across the globe at a fast rate. 

N.    Thetrustmembersareintheprocessofstudyingthe1948trustconstitutiontoseeareas that may require amendments. The trustees have assigned legal brains to guide the process. 

O.    Promote sports activities for talent identification and development. 

P.     To partner with sister organisations that hold similar values as BAMJ of Islamic propagation and service to humanity. 

In conclusion, Busoga African Muslim Jamath – Jinja (BAMJ), aims at propagating the word of Allah and providing social and development services to all humanity, Muslim and non-Muslim as per the vision of the founding fathers. 

TRUSTEES AND THEIR CVS 

1.     Amb. Mohammed Baswari Kezaala – Trustee and President of the TRUST. He is a diplomat with 29 years practical working experience in public service. He holds a BSC Business Law, MSC Management and currently pursuing a PhD in International Marketing. He also holds a primary leaving certificate in Islamics and Arabic (Ibtidai) plus a Higher Diploma in Marketing. 

2.     Sheikh Ahmed Ezzedin Kibirige – Trustee and Vice President of the TRUST. He holds a diploma in Arabic language, a BA and MA in Islamic Studies and is presently pursuing a PhD in comparative religions. He has a number of Islamic initiatives in the country which include but not limited to; Head – Dawa Islamic Centre and founder Al –Huda Islamic Centre for training Imams and preachers. He is the immediate former district Kadhi of Jinja District. 

3.     Sheikh Nurdin Debene – Trustee and head teacher of IQRA Secondary School based at the TRUST Headquarters. Sheikh Nurdin is a professional teacher and holds a post graduate Diploma in Education as well as a Bachelor of Language and Translation. He is the current county Kadhi of Jinja East in the Muslim leadership. 

4.     Sheikh Abdallah Waiswa – Trustee and Imam of Madjid Hidaya at the TRUST headquarters in Jinja City. He is a holder of Ida’ad from one of the historical and prestigious Muslim schools in the country- Bugembe Islamic Institute. 

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND THEIR CVS 

1.     Amb. Mohammed Baswari Kezaala – Trustee and President of the TRUST. He is a diplomat with 29 years practical working experience in public service. He holds a BSC Business Law, MSC Management and currently pursuing a PhD in International Marketing. He also holds a primary leaving certificate in Islamic and Arabic (Ibtidai) plus a Higher Diploma in Marketing. 

2.     Sheikh Ahmed Ezzedin Kibirige – Trustee and Vice President of the TRUST. He holds a diploma in Arabic language, a BA and MA in Islamic Studies and is presently pursuing a PhD in comparative religions. He has a number of Islamic initiatives in the country which include but not limited to; Head – Dawa Islamic Centre and founder Al –Huda Islamic Centre for training imams and preachers. He is the immediate passed district Kadhi of Jinja 

3.     Al-Hajj Mohammed Rajab Walangalira – He is the Honorable Secretary of the TRUST and holds a BSC Business law and MSC Management. He is a former member of the apex Muslim body in the country – “the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council” which he also served as National Treasurer. He also served in the local Council of Bugiri District as the council Speaker. He also holds an international certificate in Administrative Law, a national certificate in electricity and electrical installation work. He is a retired international football referee. 

4.     Sheikh Abdul Abdulrahman Tahir Kigenyi  – He is the treasurer of the TRUST and holds a BA in Language and Translation as well as Diploma in education. He is the founder and General Director of Okasha Secondary School. He belongs to a number of Muslim initiatives. 

5.     Sheikh Ibrahin Sharif Kyebagadha – He is the Jt. Secretary of the Trust and a holder of a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Bachelor of Arts Islamic Studies. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND THEIR CVS 

1.     Sheikh Ismael Adi Basoga – He is a holder of a degree in Islamic Sharia.He is the current District Kadhi of Jinja. Sheik Basoga is also the Director of Islamic Tours and Travel for Hajj and Umra. 

2.     Sheikh Uthman Timuntu – He is the county Kadhi of Jinja West in Jinja City Muslim District. He holds a Bachelor of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He is the director of the new Muslim converts education centre in Namutumba District. 

3.     Sheikh Abubakhar Awuye – He is the county Kadhi of one of the Muslim counties in Jinja District called KagomaB-Kakira. He is a holder of Ida’at. 

4.     Sheikh Abdulhakim Maliwa – He is a committee member and a teacher by profession. He is also the Imam of masjid Al-Huda in the city center of Jinja town. He holds a Diploma in Da’awa and a certificate in Islamic studies. 

5.     Sheikh Uthman Mbuubi – He is a professional motor mechanic instructor and a businessman. 

6.     Sheikh Ahmad Masaba – He is a Muslim preacher and businessman. 

7.    Mr. Nzirambera Abdurahaman Abed – A businessman, holding Ordinary certificate of education. 

8.     Sheikh Hamza Kisina  – Holds a Bachelors degree in Education and currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Islam Theology. 

9.     Hajj Swaibu Samanya Isabirye kisuule  – Works with Jinja City Council, also the vice chairman of Masjid Al Faisan in Jinja City. 

10.  Mr. Abasi Wakinhankaali – He is the vice chairman Masjid Jamia – Jinja City.He has contributed to the construction of many Mosques.

11.  Muhammed Ali Mutungi – is a man of many hats. A former local football star in Jinja as well as at the national level. He is a holder of the East African Certificate of Education. He played football with a local club Nytil FC in Uganda’s super division and was chosen to play for the national football team, the Uganda Cranes.