President Yoweri Museveni has pledged Shs300 million to construct and renovate a school and mosque in memory of the late Supreme Mufti Sheikh Zubair Kayongo, one of Uganda’s most respected Muslim leaders. The announcement was made during a memorial event held in Buswabulongo, Lwamata Town Council, Kiboga District, where hundreds gathered to honor the influential cleric who passed away in 2015.

The project, which will include both educational and religious facilities, is intended to preserve Mufti Kayongo’s legacy of promoting unity, education, and spiritual growth within Uganda’s Muslim community. Speaking on behalf of the President, Desire Muhooza, the aspiring Kiboga Woman MP, emphasized that the contribution reflects Museveni’s recognition of the late Mufti’s lifelong dedication to fostering peace and development.

“President Museveni understands the significance of Mufti Zubair Kayongo’s work,” Muhooza told the gathering. “This school and mosque will stand as a testament to his dedication and the values he instilled in our community.” The initiative has been warmly received by local residents and religious leaders, who see it as a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life bridging divides and uplifting the Muslim faithful.

Mufti Kayongo was widely respected across Uganda’s religious and political spectrum for his efforts to promote harmony among different Islamic groups and his unwavering commitment to community development. His leadership was characterized by calls for cooperation, education, and peaceful coexistence, making him a unifying figure in a sometimes fragmented religious landscape. The planned school and mosque will not only honor his memory but also serve as a center for learning and worship, particularly benefiting Muslim children in the Kiboga region.

The memorial event, marking the 10th annual Dua (prayers) for the late Mufti, attracted prominent figures from Uganda’s Muslim community and beyond. Supreme Mufti Sheikh Shabban Mohammad Galabuzi, who led the prayers, praised the President’s initiative and urged the community to uphold the values that defined Kayongo’s life. “Sheikh Kayongo was a man of peace and unity,” Galabuzi said. “This project will help keep his vision alive for future generations.”

Also present was the Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, Shaikh Majid Safar, who commended the development and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s progress. “We remain committed to supporting Uganda’s development, particularly in sectors like agriculture, which directly impact communities,” Safar stated, highlighting the broader context of international cooperation in Uganda’s social and economic growth.

For the residents of Buswabulongo, the President’s pledge has brought a sense of gratitude and renewed hope. Many view it as a long-overdue recognition of a leader who dedicated his life to serving others. The school and mosque project is expected to address two critical needs in the area: access to quality education and a proper place of worship. By combining these elements, the initiative mirrors Mufti Kayongo’s own holistic approach to community development, which emphasized both spiritual and material well-being.

The Shs300 million allocation will cover construction and renovation costs, though specific timelines for the project’s completion were not immediately provided. Local leaders expressed optimism that work would begin soon, given the President’s direct involvement and the community’s strong support. Once finished, the facilities will serve as a permanent reminder of Mufti Kayongo’s contributions while providing tangible benefits to the people of Kiboga.

This gesture by the Ugandan government also reflects the continuing relationship between the state and the Muslim community, which has played a significant role in the country’s social fabric. By supporting projects that honor religious leaders like Mufti Kayongo, the government acknowledges the important role faith-based initiatives play in national development.

As the memorial event concluded, attendees left with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that their late leader’s legacy would be preserved in a meaningful way. For the younger generation, the future school and mosque will serve as physical embodiments of the values Mufti Kayongo championed—unity, education, and service to others.

President Museveni’s pledge not only honors an individual but also reinforces the government’s commitment to supporting community-driven projects that align with national development goals. As Uganda continues to navigate its path toward progress, initiatives like this one demonstrate how public figures and religious leaders can work together to create lasting change.

The people of Buswabulongo now look forward to seeing the project take shape, hopeful that it will bring new opportunities for growth and inspiration, just as Mufti Zubair Kayongo did throughout his remarkable life.