By Frank Kamuntu

Uganda’s 3rd Students’ Quran Competition have come to conclusion at a mega ceremony held at Al-Mustafa Islamic College in Kyengera.

The competitions brought together esteemed leaders, students, and dignitaries to celebrate Quranic scholarship and unity. The event was organized in collaboration with the Cultural Consulate of the Iranian Embassy in Uganda.

Among the key guests who couldn’t miss these competitions include; the first deputy Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa; Salam Charity Foundation Managing Director Alhaji Abdulkarim Kaliisa; H.E. Mr. Majid Saffar, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Mr. Abdollah Abbasi, Cultural Counselor of the Iranian Embassy; and Dr. Rouhollah Dehghani, Principal of Al-Mustafa Islamic College.

IMG 20241102 WA0075 — His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the first deputy Mufti of Uganda

Also in attendance were 482 students from various universities and high schools, including the Islamic University in Uganda, Makerere University, and Kampala International University, alongside media partners and well-wishers.

The competition featured multiple categories, each recognizing participants’ talents in Quranic memorization and recitation. Below are the categories and the winners;
30 Juz for Boys: Kiggundu Umar from Arkam School, Abdulrahman Muyindo
20 Juz for Boys: Zimulah Abdul Assad from Zimura
10 Juz for Girls: Hussein Bashir from Bilal, Namubiru Abiidah from Sumaya Girls School
Tahqiiq for Boys: Kasumba Uthman from Al-Mustafa Islamic College
Tartiil for Girls: Namatovu Halima from the Islamic University in Uganda

Winners in categories like Social and Cultural Presentation included Miss Nalukwago Sharifah from Al-Mustafa Islamic College, with Words of Wisdom won by Waiswa Muhammad from Kampala International University.

In his remarks, Mr. Abdollah Abbasi, Cultural Counselor, emphasized the Quran’s importance for both spiritual growth and daily reflection, citing Imam Khomeini’s dedication to Quranic recitation.

IMG 20241102 WA0077 — H.E. Mr. Majid Saffar, Iranian Ambassador

On his part, H.E. Mr. Majid Saffar, Iranian Ambassador, urged participants to recognize the Quran’s messages of unity, justice, and social compassion, and highlighted current global issues affecting Muslims.

In the same spirit, Alhaji Abdulkarim Kaliisa commemorated the late Dr. Anasi Abdunoor Kaliisa’s legacy, praising his dedication to Islam and contributions to Uganda’s interfaith and social cohesion. Dr. Kaliisa’s efforts in education and charitable work, including House of Zakah and Salam Charity Foundation, were honored for inspiring a generation of Ugandan Muslims.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, Uganda’s first deputy Mufti, praised Al-Mustafa College’s commitment to organizing the Quran competition and encouraged students to continue participating in national-level competitions. Reflecting on Dr. Kaliisa’s accomplishments, he reminded attendees of the Quran’s power to elevate believers in ranks and urged everyone to pray for the oppressed in regions such as Gaza and Lebanon.

The ceremony concluded with a prayer led by Sheikh Waiswa, dedicated to oppressed nations and the late Dr. Kaliisa, underscoring the importance of unity and compassion within the Muslim community.

See Full Pictorial Below;