Uganda Muslim Medical Bureau (UMMB) & USAID SBCA Conduct Transformative Workshop on Risk Communication and adaptation of Quranic verses at IUIU Female Campus

Uganda Muslim Medical Bureau (UMMB), in collaboration with USAID Social Behavior Change Activity (SBCA), successfully conducted a transformative two-day consultative workshop at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Female Campus in Kabojja, Kyengera Town Council. Themed “Adaptation of Key Health Messages for Social Behavior Change (SBC) and adaptation of Quran verses while Equipping Muslim Religious Leaders with Effective Communication Skills in the Communities,” the workshop was a pivotal step in enhancing the role of religious leaders in health promotion within their communities.

His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, expressed profound gratitude to the Ministry of Health for their strategic partnership with UMMB, the medical arm of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). In his speech, delivered by Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, UMSC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, Sheikh Mubaje emphasized the importance of disseminating accurate health information. He highlighted the need to translate these messages into local languages to ensure that they are understood and embraced by the broader community.

“Accurate health communication is crucial,” stated Counsel Aluma, recalling the misinformation during the early 1980s HIV/AIDS outbreak that led to detrimental beliefs and widespread fatalities. “This workshop’s recommendations will need endorsement from relevant UMSC organs before they are shared with the broader Muslim community,” he added, emphasizing the workshop’s potential to shape future health communication strategies.

The workshop saw participation from several notable figures, including Hon. Sheikhat Radhiyya Namakula Khamis, Secretary for women and youth affairs, who represented His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti of Uganda. Sheikhat Namakula underscored the necessity for culturally sensitive health communication and called on the Ministry of Health to expand their initiatives to address a wider range of communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, and Reproductive Health.

Haj Kassim Kaggwa, Ddumba, a Community Health Educator from the Ministry of Health, emphasized the strategic role of religious leaders in health outreach programs. “Ordinary citizens have great respect and trust in religious leaders,” noted Mr. Kaggwa, highlighting their crucial role in disseminating health awareness and ensuring the success of health initiatives.

Mr. Kivumbi Muzamir, the UMMB Executive Secretary, affirmed that these health sensitization programs are designed to strengthen the cooperation between UMMB, UMSC, and Ministry of Health for the common good. He expressed his gratitude for the proactive participation of UMSC in these health initiatives, which ultimately benefit the Ummah. He also extended his appreciation to the management of IUIU for hosting the workshop at their library, commending their choice to prioritize community service over financial gain.

Distinguished participants included Sheikh Hamid Serwadda Busungu, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of the Kampala Muslim Region, and Sheikh Zakiyyu Burhan Sserunjonji Semakula, Kadhi of Nakawa Muslim District. The workshop was coordinated by UMMB with support from USAID SBCA, led by Venansio Ahabwe commended UMMB and UMSC’s commitment to adopting effective risk communication strategies with the Quran and pledged ongoing engagement with the Muslim faith community during the implementation process.

Dr. Nabukeera Madinah Sebyala, the Director of IUIU Female Campus, also attended the workshop. She lauded UMSC and UMMB for championing health initiatives and encouraged participants to carry forward the workshop’s essence beyond the event. Dr. Sebyala cautioned against petty conflicts within the Muslim community, urging a focus on developmental issues. She also rallied support for the upcoming “Run for the Girl Child” event on June 30 2024 at IUIU Female Campus in Kabojja, emphasizing its significance to support the girl child to completer their studies.

This workshop marks a significant milestone in fostering a healthy and well-informed Muslim community, showcasing the robust partnership between religious and health authorities in Uganda. By empowering religious leaders with the tools to effectively communicate health messages, UMMB and USAID SBCA are paving the way for better health practices and improved community well-being across Uganda.

Compiled by:

Wabusimba Amiri

Advocacy and Communication Specialist