His Excellency Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), received on Tuesday 19 Dhu al-Qa’dah 1442 corresponding to June 29, 2021, in his office at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Academy in Jeddah, His Excellency Mr. Isaac Biruma Sibulime, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative of Uganda to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), who came specially from Riyadh to greet His Excellency and express the support of the Government of the Republic of Uganda to the Secretariat General of the Academy.

His Excellency the Ambassador began his speech by extending his congratulations and well wishes to His Excellency the Secretary General of the Academy on the occasion of assuming the duties of Secretary General of the Academy, and the achievements made during the past few months that have become the subject of appreciation in the diplomatic circles. His Excellency the Ambassador also reviewed with the Secretary General the conditions of Muslims in Uganda, and he specifically mentioned and expressed his appreciation for the role His Eminence the late Sheikh Anas Abdel Nour Kalisah, was doing as a member of the Council of the Academy for the Republic of Uganda. Sheikh Kalisah unfortunately passed away months ago after a long life spent in the service of Islam and Muslims in Uganda and beyond. He also assured His Excellency that the Ugandan government had nominated another member to represent it in the Council of the Academy. Then he wished His Excellency success in his mission, which he described as great and difficult, stressing that His Excellency will find all the support and assistance from the Ugandan government.

For his part, His Excellency Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano welcomed His Excellency the Ambassador and his colleague Mr. Mugadde Habib, Head of Economic and Political Affairs Department at the Embassy, ​​appreciating and thanking His Excellency for bearing the trouble of traveling from Riyadh to Jeddah to visit the General Secretariat of the Academy. His Excellency also spoke about the virtues of His Eminence the late Sheikh Anas Abdel Nour Kalisah, may God have mercy on him, and the strong and special fraternal relationship that he had with him, as he was a great brother, advising and compassionate, and a supporter of His Excellency in the various sessions of the Academy. Then he assured His Excellency that the General Secretariat of the Academy welcomes the new member nominated by the Republic of Uganda, and the embassy will be informed of the decision of the Bureau committee in the coming days.

Then the Secretary General presented to His Excellency an overview of the Academy and its activities and programs, and its efforts to combat extremism, fanaticism, and terrorism by promoting moderation, temperance, coexistence, and tolerance among followers of different religions, cultures and civilizations. His Excellency also made it clear that the members of the Academy are among the best and trusted scholars of the Islamic nation. The most important objectives of the Academy are to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and communication with the member states of the OIC through signing joint cooperation agreements, and the joint organization of conferences and specialized seminars on specific topics and issues related to those countries. His Excellency concluded his speech by briefing His Excellency on the issuance of the first ever IIFA strategic plan, which includes the most important activities and programs that the Academy intends to implement during the next five years.

For his part, the Ambassador expressed his country’s welcome to cooperate with the General Secretariat of the Academy, describing the Academy as a renowned, impartial intellectual organization acceptable to all member states of the OIC and Muslim societies around the world, which puts it in a favorable position to serve the member states in their war against terrorism, extremism, and intolerance away from any interactions whether ethnic or political. The Academy, he added, is distinguished by its ability to defend the ideal image of Islam and refute all accusations that are unjustly attached to it. His Excellency assured the Secretary General that Muslims in the Republic of Uganda live with followers of other religions in peace, security, and stability.

At the end, His Excellency the Secretary General reiterated his heartfelt thanks and great appreciation to the Ambassador and his accompanying delegation for the visit, wishing them a safe journey back to Riyadh and presented them with souvenirs from the Academy.

From the Academy side, the meeting was attended by Dr. Ayman Abdel Karim, Media & Financing Advisor to the Secretary General, Mr. Mourad TLiLi, Media & Public Relations Adviser to the Secretary General, Mrs. Sarah Amjad Hussein, Director of Family, Women, Children and Elderly Affairs Department, and Mr. Amjad Mustafa, Head of the Protocol Section.