UMSC mourns King Oyo, calls for rain prayers as Mufti engages in the Muslim community

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has joined the nation in mourning the death of Tooro Kingdom’s Omukama, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, while also mobilising Muslims across the country for special prayers seeking rainfall.

Representing Mufti of Uganda Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa signed the condolence book for the late King Oyo at his residence in Buziga, Kampala.

Sheikh Waiswa conveyed condolences from the Mufti and the Muslim community of Uganda, recognising King Oyo’s contribution to promoting unity, peace, youth empowerment, and environmental conservation

In his condolence message, Mufti Mubaje described the late monarch as a visionary leader whose engagements with local and international leaders helped promote Uganda’s image and tourism potential.

“The whole country is with you as you mourn the departure of the Gentle Lion of Tooro,” Mufti Mubaje said, extending condolences to the royal family, including Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya and Princess Royal Ruth Nsemere Komuntale.

The Mufti recalled King Oyo’s ascension to the throne at a young age and praised his leadership and development initiatives in Tooro Kingdom.

Meanwhile, UMSC has announced a National Prayer for Rain (Salatul-Istisqa) following prolonged dry conditions affecting different parts of Uganda.

The prayer will be conducted simultaneously in all mosques across the country on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 1:40pm.

UMSC called upon Muslims to seek Allah’s mercy through prayers, repentance, charity, and good deeds, with regional assistants, district Kadhis, Imams, and mosque leaders tasked to mobilise worshippers.

The Mufti has also continued with community outreach activities, including visiting ailing Muslim elders. He recently visited Haj Abdallah Bananuka, a retired teacher and chairperson of the Rukungiri Muslim District Council, who is bedridden due to prolonged illness.

During the visit, Sheikh Mubaje praised Haj Bananuka’s family for caring for him and prayed for his recovery. Haj Bananuka was recognised for his long contribution to the Muslim community and as one of the surviving delegates who witnessed the formation of UMSC in Kabale in 1972.

The UMSC leadership also marked the National Mawlid celebrations at its headquarters in Kampala, where Mufti Mubaje called for the recognition of Rabi al-Awwal and Mawlid as public holidays.

He further announced plans to review Uganda’s Islamic education curriculum and revive Islamic theological books as part of efforts to strengthen Islamic learning in the country.