His Excellency Ebrahim Raisolsadat, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, made a significant visit to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Headquarters, where he met with religious leaders including the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje. The visit aimed to strengthen interfaith relations and discuss areas of mutual cooperation.
President Raisi arrived at the UMSC headquarters with his delegation, accompanied by tight security measures, late in the evening. He was warmly welcomed and immediately engaged in a closed-door meeting with government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Hajjat Lukia Nakadama Isanga, State Minister of Defense Hon. Hajjat Oleru Huda, Minister of Public Service Hon. Muluri Mukasa, and Members of Parliament. Also present were religious leaders such as Archbishop Dr. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu and the Deputy Mufti Sheikh Abdallah Ibrahim Ssemambo Tamusuza.
Following the meeting, President Raisi joined the Muslim congregation for Isha prayers, led by Mufti Mubaje. Archbishop Dr. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu delivered a speech on behalf of the Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU), highlighting the achievements and background of the IRCU since its establishment in 2001. He also emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between Uganda and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Mufti Mubaje expressed gratitude to the Iranian government for its recent efforts in reconciling with the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also offered prayers for peace in Muslim countries still affected by armed conflicts, such as Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan.
President Raisi delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing his pleasure in meeting religious leaders from various denominations who collaborate harmoniously under one forum. He also expressed his joy in meeting the enthusiastic youth who had gathered to welcome him. President Raisi emphasized the significance of mosques as not only places of congregational prayers but also as platforms to address societal problems such as poverty, illiteracy, diseases, and unemployment. He cautioned against cultural invasion by Western powers, specifically highlighting their role in promoting immoral practices such as homosexuality. President Raisi regarded such actions as contrary to nature and divine laws, referring to the historical influence of European imperialists.
Highlighting the common ground between Muslims and Christians as Abrahamic faiths that promote family values, President Raisi mentioned the Agreement of Cooperation signed between Iran and Uganda under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership.
The event was attended by esteemed dignitaries from various sectors in Uganda, further underscoring the significance of the visit and the shared commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and cooperation.
Zziwa Ashiraf, UMSC Spokesperson, expressed gratitude for President Raisi’s visit and the fruitful discussions held during this significant occasion. The visit serves as a positive step in strengthening ties between Iran and Uganda and promoting mutual understanding and respect among different religious communities.
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