Dr. Sheikh Ashraf Mutagubya, a lecturer at the Islamic University in Uganda, has called on emerging Muslim scholars to professionalize their religious calling and uphold the legacy of their forebearers.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the launch of a new Islamic website by Sheikh Hussein Ali Bulafu at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), Dr. Mutagubya emphasized the need for competence, discipline, and dignity in the practice of Dawah.
“We must recognize the sacrifices that brought us here — people gave up land, money, even lives — so we could study and lead. Today’s sheikhs must be organised, avoid trivial online confrontations, and honour those efforts by working professionally,” he said.
He challenged young scholars to grow beyond traditional spaces and penetrate national and corporate institutions. “Why shouldn’t a sheikh sit on a company board or be a CEO? We follow a dual curriculum and must show the nation that our skills are relevant,” he asserted.
Dr. Mutagubya commended Sheikh Bulafu for his innovation, calling the website “the start of a new era” in Islamic communication.
In his remarks, Sheikh Bulafu explained that the new platform aims to support Islamic learning with authentic content. “The site is built on Islamic foundations to offer guidance. Our goal is simple — to make a small yet meaningful contribution,” he noted.
His father, Sheikh Ali Juma Shiuyo, UMSC Secretary for Hajj and Umrah, celebrated the milestone. “This website expands our family’s Dawah effort by millions of miles,” he said.
Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Waiswa cautioned against irresponsible use of social media by some young religious bloggers. “They need advisors. Social media should not be a space for insulting elders,” he warned.
UMSC Secretary General, Hadji Abas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, reflected on the historic struggle for education within the Muslim community. “There was a time when a Muslim graduate was a rare sight. We owe much to the pioneer sheikhs who pursued secular education,” he said, applauding efforts by senior scholars to bridge the gap.
Representing the media, Sheikh Abdrahman Mawejje of Thuruya Media, hailed the initiative. “We thank all sheikhs who freely provide content for Muslim platforms. Let’s use social media responsibly and promote knowledge — not personal quarrels,” he appealed.
UMSC Deputy Chairman, Haji Muzamil Abon, praised the website as a powerful tool for disseminating Islamic teachings and urged UMSC to support its growth.
The event drew several prominent figures including Chairman Nujumul Hudah, Counsel Sheikh Ali Zikusooka, Sheikh Issa Ahmad Pole (Kadhi of Bugisu), and Sheikh Galib (Bunyoro-Tooro Regional Assistant to the Mufti), among others.