At the kind invitation of H.E. Sheikh Dr. Shaban Ramadan Mubaji, Mufti of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the Academy, participated in the First International Conference on Contemporary Fiqh Issues, organized by the Ugandan Islamic Supreme Council on 08-11 Jumada Al-Akhira 1446 corresponding to 09-12 December 2024 in Kampala, Uganda, on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Council by the late President of Uganda, H.E. Mr. Idi Amin Dada.

The Secretary General delivered a speech at the opening session in which he thanked the Ugandan Islamic Supreme Council for the kind invitation to him and his delegation. He also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality during their stay in the brotherly country of Uganda. His Excellency said, “Muslims in Uganda enjoy all the inalienable rights of the citizens of Uganda, so they have to abide by the Ugandan law and constitution, be good citizens, and play a vital role in the development of their country and advocate for peace and stability,” He also praised the wise leadership of Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni by providing opportunities for Muslims and including them in the social, economic and political life in Uganda.

His Excellency also emphasized the importance of unity among Muslims in Uganda, noting that Muslims are united in their faith and rituals, so they must be united in their emotional feelings, in accordance with the Prophet’s saying: “The believers are like a body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever”. He added: “Muslims must be united in their solidarity, compassion and empathy among each other. Muslims must be moderate because moderation is not a matter of choice, but an obligation.” He also warned against those who issue fatwas without knowledge, that any form of religious intolerance and extremism must be combated, and that they should view madhhabs (legal religious schools) as knowledge-based schools whose adherents should keep abreast of issues and developments in order to guide and advise their followers in accordance with the values and purposes of Islam.

His Excellency concluded: “The developments witnessed by this world are unstoppable and fast-moving, and scholars should keep abreast of these new circumstances and developments and be ready to respond to them accordingly.”