Kampala: Where Community Flourished Amidst Beauty and Resilience
Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of Uganda, Kampala has long been a city of resplendent beauty, where lush greenery meets the serenity of the waters. In the late 19th century, the Khoja community found their haven here, and by the 1920s, the seeds of a thriving Jamaat were sown, with the first constitution drafted and registered in 1926. In those early days, congregations and gatherings were often held within the welcoming homes of devout mo’mineen. It was a testament to the communal spirit that would later flourish.
The pioneering spirit of individuals like Khimjibhai Bhanji, the first President of the Jamaat, cannot be overstated, as he extended the warm embrace of a sheltered building which was used as the Imambargah. Furthermore, the contributions of Haji Habibhai Walji, the longest-serving trustee and a renowned philanthropist, were monumental, profoundly impacting Jamaat activities—an admirable legacy from whom inspirations can be drawn. May Allah (s.w.t.) reward him amply for his vision and wisdom to serve.
Alhaj Habib bhai Walji was born in 1915 in Jamnagar, India. From there he migrated to Mozambique before settling in Kampala where he prospered financially. While Marhum’s philanthropic endeavors were commendable, he also displayed a remarkable talent for fundraising, overseeing the construction of the Imambara in Kampala. After the expulsion of Asians from Uganda in 1972, Marhum relocated to Reading and subsequently Peterborough, where he continued his unwavering service to the community. His influence extended globally, facilitating the acquisition of the Hammersmith Imambara in London and aiding in the appointment of Alims in various UK centers. His remarkable contributions extended to the economic upliftment of our community, both domestically and internationally, notably in India, where he established multiple orphanages and a hospital in Mahuva, Gujarat.
Marhum Habib bhai’s greatest legacy, however, lay in his dedicated assistance to Hujjaj during their religious rites over four decades. His invaluable service was posthumously recognized during the 14th Ordinary Conference in Dar es Salaam in May 2014, where he was honored with the President’s Recognition Award, presented to his sons Shiraz and Husein Walji. The citation dedicated to Marhum was eloquently delivered by The World Federation Councillor and Vice Chairman of Africa Federation.
Equally noteworthy were the sacrifices of Murabbi Ebrahimbhai Kassam, a past President of the Jamaat and Trustee, for both the Kampala Jamaat and the Africa Federation.
Haji Ebrahim bhai’s service to the Jamaat commenced at the tender age of 10, culminating in his tenure as Mukhi of the Jamaat and, eventually, its President before the exodus of Asians from Uganda. He played a pivotal role in the construction of residential flats for middle-class families in Kampala.
Ebrahim bhai Kassam relocated to Canada in the aftermath of the expulsion of the Asian Community from Kampala. In an interview with Khoja TV during the 2019 AFED Conference in Mombasa, Marhum Ebrahim bhai shared his experiences following the expulsion from Uganda. He recounted a period where he and his family had to reside in a camp in Vienna, Austria, before an opportunity arose for them to make the move to Canada.
Upon arriving in Canada, he found employment on a farm, tending to cattle and milking cows—a stark departure from his life in Kampala, where he owned numerous farms and employed a workforce to manage them. Eventually, his family settled in Toronto, where he became an active member of the Jamaat, serving as a Committee member and later assuming the role of Jamaat President. During his tenure, with the support of the Gokal Family, they succeeded in establishing Toronto’s first Mosque and Imambargha.
Upon his return to Kampala from Canada, he continued to contribute to the community. In 1998, he was elected as a Trustee of the Africa Federation, a position he held until his demise. In recognition of his extensive contributions and selfless service, he was honored with the Abbasi Medal by the then Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Ramzan Nanji, in 2007. Notably, his mother, Kulsum bai Kassam, was among the first recipients of the Africa Federation Fatemi Medal, acknowledging her voluntary services and contributions to our community.
At the 75th Supreme Council Session convened in Dar es Salaam in May 2014, Marhum was presented with the Chairman’s Award by the Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi. This accolade celebrated his foresight, unwavering dedication, and selfless services to the community in Uganda and to the Africa Federation. Even in his advanced age, his commitment to and service for the community remained unwavering.
Before the tumultuous chapter of the expulsion, Kampala Jamaat etched its presence by acquiring a significant piece of land at 6 Wilson Road, a space that would soon become the heart of all religious gatherings and functions. The gracious donation of this plot by Murrabbi Jamalbhai Ramji marked the inception of a grand vision. In the year 1919/1920, the first mosque complex on 6 Wilson Road was established.
The 11th Supreme Council Meeting of AFED was held in Kampala in 1955. In 1960, the inauguration of the Mosque and Imambargha Complex at 108 William Street marked a significant milestone. Then, in 1967, another momentous occasion unfolded with the inauguration of the Housing Complex at 84 – 90 Nakivubo Road.
Sadly, in August 1972, a somber chapter in history unfolded as the Asian Community in Uganda faced expulsion, a mandate issued by the authoritarian ruler, Idi Amin, giving them a mere 90 days to depart from the country. In response, most of our community members embarked on journeys to Europe and North America, while some sought refuge in Pakistan and India, all were compelled to leave behind their homes and businesses. Only five families remained behind, among them was the family of the late Haji Gulamali Manji, resided in Mpigi, to the west of Kampala. In Masindi, there was but one solitary member, and in Kampala, three families remained, including the family of Haji Pyarali Khimji and Professor Syed A. H. Abidi. The repercussions were severe, with all properties subjected to confiscation and nationalization, including those held by the Jamaat, which were entrusted to ‘THE MUSLIM SUPREME COUNCIL.’ It was through the courageous and unwavering efforts of Haji Pyaralibhai Khimji that the small mosque and Kabrastan, where our brothers met up for religious functions, were safeguarded.
With the eventual downfall of the dictator Idi Amin in 1979, the dawn of hope emerged. By 1990, approximately ten families had regathered in Kampala, paving the way for a resurgence of the community. In the 1990s, dedicated efforts were undertaken to reclaim the Jamaat’s properties. In a fateful turn of events, Dr. Asgarali Moledina received a demand note for our Jamaat property in Soroti and, spurring to action, reached out to the late Mulla Asgherali M M Jaffer for guidance. Directed to Marhum Bashir Peera at the AFED secretariat in Mombasa, they secured a comprehensive list of our properties in Uganda, despite lacking the original title deeds. Legal expertise was enlisted through Lawyer Ms. Mumtaz Kassam to obtain the necessary documents from the Land office. Armed with these documents, they initiated proceedings to regain possession of all our properties, that saw the collective efforts of Dr. Asgarali Moledina, Shabirbhai Najafi, and then-Trustee Mohamedhussein bhai Punjani (currently residing in Toronto, Canada). The contributions of the late Zulfiqar Thobani, a close confidant of Dr. Moledina, proved invaluable during this endeavor. The subsequent challenge lay in the physical repossession of these properties, a feat that Shabirbhai Najafi spearheaded with unwavering determination. The then Mufti of Uganda, Late Saad Ibrahim Luwemba, was cooperative and expedited the process by issuing an official letter, requesting the present occupants of the Imambargah complex to peacefully surrender the property to our Kampala Jamaat.
The revival of the Jamaat in 1991 marked a turning point, and by mid-1994, the physical possession of all Jamaat properties, including the cherished Mosque Complex at 108 William Street, was successfully reclaimed. Amidst prevailing political stability, the community witnessed a steady resurgence in its membership numbers.
In 1997 the 55th Session of AFED Supreme Council was held in Kampala in Uganda after 42 years. It was the idea of Marhum Mohamed bhai Dhirani (The AFED Chairman at that time) to gather our members in Kampala which was once a glorious centre. Community Members expressed their appreciation to Kampala Jamaat for organizing the Session which gave them the opportunity to visit Kampala City.
Following are the past Presidents’ of the Jamaat from 1920’s to-date in sequential order:
- Marhum Khimji Bhanji – 1920’s
- Marhum Alibhai Jeraj – 1920s to early 30’s
- Marhum Rashid Noormohamed – 1930’s
- Marhum Alarakhia Kassam – 1935’s
- Marhum Mohamedali Alibhai Ramji – 1940’s
- Marhum Akbarali Abdulla Nathoo
- Marhum Haji Habib Walji – 1949
- Marhum Haji Merali – 1950’s
- Marhum Sultanali Gulamhusein – 1954
- Marhum Gulamhussein Kurji Jetha – 1955
- Marhum Fida Ali Dharamsi Pradhan
- Marhum Huseinali Pirbhai Visram
- Marhum Masumali Dharamsi Pradhan
- Marhum Gulamali Mohamedali Alibhai Ramji
- Haji Ebrahim Kassam
- Haji Sultan Datoo
- Haji Pyarali Khimji
- Dr. Asgharali G. K. Moledina
- Haji Shabir Najafi
- Haji Mustafa G. Kanji
- Haji Shiraz P. Walji
- Haji Abbas Ali Lilani
- Haji Hussainali Merchant
- Haji Hassanali Alibhai
- Haji Mohamad Imran Sheriff
- Haji Sibtain Merchant – (Current President)
Once again in September 2023, the 86th Session of the Africa Federation Supreme Council will be held in Kampala to coincide with the centenary celebrations of the Kampala Jamaat. Insha’allah, this time again, Kampala will be invigorated with members from across the globe and reviving memories of the past. Simultaneously, the event will also feature a special event by the AFED Archives Section titled Panjo Uganda – which will be a live talk-show on Thursday 28th September 2023, where panelists will discuss on the experiences before, during and after the Uganda exodus.
Let us remember all these elder personalities and past leaders from Kampala Jamaat who have departed from this transient world with Sura-e-Fateha with a prayer that may Allah (swt) grant them maghferat, Ameen.
Secretariat
Archives Section of Africa Federation
Date: 28th September 2023 (12th Rabiul Awwal 1445 A.H.)