This narrative embarks on an extraordinary expedition through time, unveiling the remarkable evolution of our community’s presence in the heart of Uganda. From the earliest pioneering footsteps on this diverse and culturally rich land to the vibrant growth that has marked our enduring legacy, this story is a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the enduring bonds that have shaped the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri shared history in this remarkable African nation as we celebrate the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have woven our community into the fabric of Uganda’s vibrant tapestry.
Pirbhai Kaka, who resided in Kampala until his passing, shares insights into our community’s settlement in Uganda. While he himself moved to Uganda in 1945, he had frequented Kampala since Tanganyika came under British mandate in 1918. He recalls the early days of community members venturing into Uganda, with business endeavors commencing as early as 1902. Sheth Bahadurali Mawji established businesses in Jinja and Kampala in 1904, while Hasham Jamal Rattansi initiated enterprises in Mbale and Kumi between 1905 and 1910, eventually constructing cotton ginneries by 1920. Sheth Abdulla Nathoo, during the same period, opened a business in Jinja and contributed to the burgeoning cotton industry by building a ginnery in Busoga district. The Haji Mehrali family played a vital role in Jinja, constructing ginneries and making significant contributions to the cotton sector. In Hoima, Kassam Mohamed and Alibhai Rattansi, along with Mawji Walji and Alibhai Mawji in Masindi, contributed to our community’s thriving presence in Uganda.
Arua
Arua is a city and commercial centre within the Arua District in the Northern Region of Uganda. It is approximately 475 kilometres (295 mi), by road, north-west of Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda.
After the 1912 treaty, Arua, which was under Belgian rule, was placed under British administration.
Murabbi Noormohamed Jivraj was the first Ithna-Asheri to settle in Arua, beginning in 1915. He had just turned 29 years old. When Noormohamed took the dhow from India to Mombasa, he was 19 years old. He took the railway from Mombasa to Kisumu and then the ferry to Entebbe. After that, he traveled 21 miles to Kampala.
Murabbi Noormohamed was employed by Datoo Damji for five years. He moved to Masindi, 130 kilometers from Kampala, in 1910 to launch his own company. Masindi was underdeveloped, with thatched roofs on all of its mud homes. He spent five years in Masindi before relocating to Arua and starting a business there. In the Congo’s Karuma, 14 kilometers away, he also opened a second store. He traveled to India in 1921 and came back in 1928. By this time, Arua had welcomed ten Indian families, and a handful of robust houses had already been constructed.
Over the passing years, more families began to settle in the area. Janmohamed Teja had come to establish roots but sadly passed away within three years. In 1949, Hirji Alibhai arrived, followed by Alibhai Suleman Kaba in 1952. Majlis, Nyaz, and Muharram Azadari gatherings were held at Murabbi Kaba’s residence.
By 1957, the community had experienced substantial growth in terms of its population. Due to the commendable efforts of Abdulrasul Alibhai Bhanji from Mombasa, the community made the decision to construct an Imambargha. Alhaj Rajabali Jivraj generously donated Sh. 50,000 in memory of his late father, Noormohamed Jivraj. An additional Sh. 15,000 was gathered from other community members, Sh. 28,000 from contributions in the Congo, and Sh. 25,000 from various Jamaats in East Africa. These funds were used to construct an Imambargha and Musafarkhana.
The front section of the Imambargha served as a space for Quranic education, welcoming all Muslim children. The opening ceremony of the newly constructed Imambargha was presided over by Alhaj Murabbi Ebrahim Hussein Sheriff Dewji, the President of the Africa Federation, in February 1960.
Jinja
Nasserbhai Pardhan, after a lengthy sea voyage from India, arrived in Zanzibar in 1900. He resided there for four years, followed by 18 months in Pemba and another 18 months in Tanganyika before establishing a shop in Changamwe, a suburb of Mombasa. After a brief four-month stay in Changamwe, he embarked on a train journey to Kisumu and continued by boat to Jinja.
In 1908, Jinja was a small town with two types of houses, some made of iron sheets and others from mud with thatched roofs.
Notable community members in Jinja included Walji Bhanji, Haji Merali, Abdulla Nathoo, and Juma Muman. Nasser Pardhan found employment with Haji Merali, while Suleman Esmail also joined the workforce. Mohamed Manek, who had migrated from India to Mombasa in 1905 and then proceeded to Kisumu, joined the ranks of the renowned entrepreneur Alidina Visram.
At that time, the community consisted of seven families. Abdulla Nathoo had constructed a special room made of iron sheets in his house compound for majlis gatherings, which were recited by the esteemed Sunni Aalim Molvi Abdulla Shah. Haji Tamachi Turk, a Sunni brother with close ties to the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community, sponsored Nyaz and Majlis events, including the regular Nyaz on 12th Muharram.
In 1910, European families started businesses in Jinja, and by 1926-27, the community had grown significantly. Six Ismaili families also resided in Jinja at that time. Efforts to build an Imambara began in 1926, with Haji Merali and Suleman Esmail traveling to various Jamaats to collect donations. By 1927, the Imambara was completed, with Haji Merali contributing Shs. 1500 during the opening ceremony, earning the community’s gratitude for his dedication.
In 1935, industries started to emerge in Jinja, and the community’s population continued to rise. Jinja underwent rapid development, becoming known as the second most beautiful town in Uganda. The Jamaat was not formally established, and Hassanali Rashid took on the role of overseeing Imambara duties from 1928 to 1941. He actively engaged non-Ithna-Asheri in attending majlis gatherings, successfully involving many non-community members and even prompting some to host majlis at their homes.
Hassanali’s wife, Jenabai, was equally committed to promoting Azadari and even persuaded a non-Muslim lady to make a ‘Nazr’ for conceiving a child. By the grace of Allah (SWT), the lady conceived and continued to attend majlis on the 7th night of Muharram each year.
In 1927, Habibbhai Kassamali Jaffer (HK Jaffer) built a mosque and donated it to the Jinja Jamaat. Habibbhai consistently contributed to the mosque and Imambargha’s expenses.
A humble request for Sura-e-Fateha for the maghferat of the Marhumeen mentioned in this article. The elders have served wholeheartedly for the pleasure of Allah (SWT), and have played significant roles in shaping the development of our community in Africa in various sectors, including Religion, Education and Social Services.
Source: AFED Trade Directory, 1960
Jinja Mosque Renovation
Africa Federation through its Housing Development Board in collaboration with the KSI Jamaat of Kampala are currently undertaking a major renovation of the Jinja Mosque which is in dire need of refurbishment, including replacement of carpets, old furniture, lights, fans etc. The Jinja Mosque is under the care of Bilal Uganda. Bilal’s main mission is to carry out tabligh activities; which includes, organizing daily prayers, religious lectures, religious functions, holy Qur’an recitation, Madressah for children etc. This is Thawab-e-Jariah, whoever wishes to donate funds for the renovation of the Jinja Mosque for the benefit of their Marhumeen or family members can do so directly to the Africa Federation Secretariat or to the KSI Jamaat of Kampala.
Secretariat
Archives Section of Africa Federation
Date: 18th September 2023 (2nd Rabiul Awwal 1445 A.H.)