A high-powered delegation from the Islamic Development Foundation of Tanzania has arrived in Uganda for a weeklong visit, aimed at assessing undeveloped endowment (waqf) sites, Muslim schools, and mosques across the country. The delegation, led by Chairman Mr Ayoub, included Mr Maadh, the coordinator for the Lake Zone region, and Secretary General Abu Ammar Amir Said, and is part of a broader fact-finding mission to explore opportunities for collaboration and development within the Muslim community.

The team’s visit underscores a growing commitment to East African Muslim unity, with a particular focus on establishing unified bodies for Muslim-founded schools. The delegation expressed strong belief in the potential for greater integration and cooperation among Muslim institutions across the region, calling for the harmonisation of efforts to advance education and community development. This aligns with previous calls from religious leaders in the region for unity and cohesion among Muslims to foster regional development .

During a meeting with the leadership of the Uganda Islamic Finance Cooperative Union (UGIFICU), the Islamic Development Foundation’s Chairman, Mr Ayoub, praised the Union’s establishment, noting that Uganda appears to have taken a leading role in the region. He remarked that other countries have much to learn from Ugandan Muslim professionals, who are not only active in academic institutions but are also practically engaged in advancing Islamic activities and community development. This recognition highlights the growing visibility and impact of Muslim professionals in Uganda, who have been making strides across various sectors .

The delegation expressed a strong interest in forging a formal understanding with UGIFICU on several fronts. This announcement comes at a time when UGIFICU has been actively strengthening its institutional capacities, recently participating in capacity-building webinars on Islamic finance with international partners . The partnership is expected to focus on the development of waqf properties, which remain a critical but underutilised asset for Muslim communities.

Dr. Wardah Rajab Gyagenda, the Chief Executive Officer of UGIFICU, welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for identifying the Union as a key partner. He noted that the visit marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Ugandan and Tanzanian Muslim institutions, fostering cooperation that will benefit both communities.

As part of their itinerary, the delegation, accompanied by UGIFICU leadership, conducted site visits to several key locations. The team toured Muslim institutions and communities in Masaka, Mpigi, Mukono, Bombo, and Naggalama, observing the existing infrastructure and discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The visits are part of the delegation's broader goal to support the revitalisation of Muslim institutions, a drive that has been echoed by various stakeholders in the past .

The visit is expected to culminate in a formal partnership agreement between the Islamic Development Foundation of Tanzania and UGIFICU, with detailed discussions focused on collaborative projects. This engagement is a promising development for the Muslim community in Uganda, signaling a new era of regional cooperation and institutional development.