The Grand Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje has urged the government to invest more in skill development programs to combat unemployment.
He was speaking during the during the inaugural National Muslim Youth Day celebrations held at the UMSC headquarters on Saturday. He acknowledged that much as the government has projects in place to boost youth incomes, skilling them remains a fundamental role that cannot be overlooked.
“While the government has started various initiatives to help the youths we call for investment in skilling programs to help our youths to create their own projects,” he said.
He made the call to the First Deputy Premier and Minister for East African Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga Alitwala who officiated at the event as Chief Guest of Honor to represent President Yoweri Museveni.
Mufti Mubaje also urged Muslim youths to embrace the value of hard work, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He shared a story where some young people sought help from the Prophet, but he advised them to engage in labor, such as collecting firewood from Mt. Uhud, and to earn their livelihood through their own efforts rather than relying on handouts.
The Prophet highlighted that a strong Muslim who works for their sustenance is more esteemed in the eyes of Allah than a weak one. Mufti Mubaje encouraged the youth to work diligently for their survival and success.
The Mufti encouraged Muslim youths to work hard and not depend on handouts.
During the function, Kadaga donated 20 million shillings in an envelope on behalf of the President going towards the National Muslim Youth Council to formulate a Savings and Credits Cooperative Society-sacco under UMSC, meant to benefit the youth.
“I am making a donation of Shillings 29 million as seed money to help you start your own Sacco so that we hold you to account.” she said
She made the donation after UMSC Chairman Habib Mustafa requested support for their Majilis Sacco to help the youth.