Our Ref: AF/PR/2024/023 Date: February 1, 2024
The Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Kampala Jamaat celebrated its 100 years since the community there was officially registered. The celebrations were held on 30th September 2023 which coincided with the 86th AFED Supreme Council Session.
Celebrating 100 years is a significant milestone for any community. It’s a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community. Such celebrations not only honor the past but also inspire the future generations to carry forward the rich traditions and values that define the community.
Marhum Khimji Bhanji was the first Chairman of Kampala Jamaat back in 1920, and he purchased Plot 6 on Wilson Road which was the first Imambargha of the Jamaat. The first registration of the Jamaat took place in 1923 and the first constitution was drafted in 1925 and was registered in 1927.
Kampala Jamaat’s membership grew gradually in the years 1940s to 1972s when it achieved it highest population which including many businessmen who played a part in the growth of the economy of the country. The construction of the first Mosque was in 1959 which was fully donated by Marhum Alhaj Mohamedali Alibhai Ramji and was inaugurated in 1960. In 1967, the housing complex at 84/90 Nakivubo Road was also inaugurated, beginning of transforming Jamaat’s vision into reality.
Unfortunately, due to the expulsion by Idi Amin’s regime that took place in 1972 which led to the Asian Community having to leave the Country, this has left a dark mark in the history of our Community in Uganda, however it is truly remarkable that our Community members were able to overcome this adversity and come back stronger. This is a testament to the resilience, determination, and commitment to preserving the cultural and religious identity, being our strength. The Community has not only returned to Kampala but have bolstered the Jamaat into new heights of success and thrived despite the challenging period it underwent, this is a testament of the results of unity, as demonstrated in Uganda by the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community.
The Centenary Celebration Program which was held within the Jamaat Complex was attended by Ayatollah Ramazani from Iran, Minister of Justice Honorable Mr. Norbert Mao, Honorable Mr. Sanjay Tanna ex Member of Parliament of Uganda, The Iranian Ambassador Mr. Majid Saffar, Ambassador of Aga Khan Mr. Amin Mawji, who joined various dignitaries and invitees from around the globe, notably present were the Africa Federation Chairman Alhaj Amine Nassor, the World Federation President Alhaj Safdar Jaffer, AFED Vice Chairmen Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, Alhaj Feride Ismail (AKSIAM – Madagascar) & Alhaj Razaaly Asgaraly (UAKSIR – Reunion), AFED Trustees Alhaj Shabir Najafi, Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi, Alhaj Sajjad Rashid, Alhaj Mehboob Versi, the World Federation Secretary General Alhaj Arifali Hirji, Council of European Jamaats (COEJ) Chairman Alhaj Salim Remtullah, AFED Office Bearers, Chairmen of various Jamaats, AFED Board Chairs and members of the Community who were joined by the Kampala Jamaat Managing Committee, Trustees, Ex-Ugandans and Invitees.
The Ceremony commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Agha Mohammed Lotfi from Iran. The Chairman of Kampala Jamaat and the Master of Ceremony Alhaj Sibtain bhai Merchant welcomed all the guests and thanked them for honoring the Jamaat invitation.
Alhaj Barkat bhai Ali an ex-Ugandan by birth who was visiting Uganda after many years elaborated on how his memory was being refreshed during the visit to mark the Centenary program. He spoke on how Uganda has changed with its fast development and cited an example of how the school he went to has turned into a shopping mall. He thanked the Jamat for the invitation and hosting this event as it had given some of them the opportunity to come back to Uganda after nearly fifty years since their expulsion and this has been truly an emotional moment for many of them.
The Ambassador of Aga Khan Mr. Amin Mawji congratulated Kampala Jamaat on this milestone celebrations and said it was pleasing to see the community growing and holding on to their values. He spoke on the strong relations between the Khoja Shia Ismaili communities and the Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Communities which have been in existence for many decades. He commended on how religious beliefs, culture and traditions are maintained and passed on to the new generation.
The Kampala Jamaat had established and maintained many associates within the country, one of whom is Mr. Sanjay Tanna who comes from a family that never left Uganda during the expulsion. During his speech he spoke on the sufferings they had to undergo while they remained in Kampala. He proudly elaborated how he got elected as a Member of Parliament not once but twice and coming from an Asian origin which was not an easy task.
He emphasized how Uganda has developed through the years and how the Government continues to ensure it becomes an attractive place for businesses and called upon the Community to come and investment.
Murabbi Dr. Mohammed Jaffer Chairman of Mombasa Jamaat shared memories of his childhood visits to Fort Portal where his uncle use to reside and spoke of the current situation of Uganda in terms of security, opportunities, steady economy and good infrastructure. He concurred with Mr. Tanna on how the Government was considerate to businesses and commended them for bringing down the power costs which has boosted the industrial sector.
He then spoke on the philanthropists from Kampala Jamaat the likes of Marhum Habib Walji, Jamal Ramji and Ladha Kassam who not only contributed in their Jamaat but also helped in building Nairobi Jamaat assets. Mohamedali Alibhai Ramji also built the Musafarkhana in Najaf which shows their philanthropy vision was far and wide.
The Africa Federation Chairman Alhaj Amine bhai Nassor congratulated Kampala Jamaat on the centenary celebrations saying that completing 100 years is indeed a remarkable achievement. Where there is unity, there is progress. He said Africa Federation is proud of Kampala Jamaat – A shining Jamaat which demonstrates harmony, love and cooperation. Africa Federation he said is looking into joint venture projects to bolster the development in partnership with Kampala Jamaat.
The World Federation President Alhaj Safder Jaffer conveyed and extended his congratulations to Kampala Jamaat on behalf of the global Shia Ithna-Asheri community. He spoke on the philanthropist from Jamaats in Uganda who not only gave monetary support to the community but also gave their time and dedication in particular to the education sector. He spoke of the AFED Supreme Council meeting which took place in Kampala during the Chairmanship of Marhum Ebrahim bhai Shariff in 1960s, wherein the Chairman had asked for funds to keep the Africa Federation operational, it was the Kampala Jamaat who raised the funds to keep the institute afloat and since then they have been great donors to the worldwide communities. Safdar bhai said the whilst the expulsion was a testing moment for the community, it gave an opportunity to the community to diversify and established themselves in several countries.
The Minister of Justice Honorable Mr. Norbert Mao offered sincere congratulations to the Jamaat on behalf the Government and in the name of The President of Uganda His Excellency Yoweri Museveni. He said that despite the exodus of the Community in 1972, it is very pleasing to witness the Community’s 100th years celebration, this is a clear message that the wrong can never stand forever, ultimately right always prevails.
Mr. Mao said having been born in 1967 his childhood was spent during the era of Idi Amin Dada, where schools were closed and children as young as 9 years were being taken to firing squads which was traumatizing. He said whilst the Government cannot wipe off the history as every Ugandan suffered in particular the Asian Community, the Minister was proud of the Khoja Shia community member Ambassador Dr. Mumtaz Kassam who is the voice of the Jamaat in the Government. He said he felt honored to be part of these great celebrations which gave him an opportunity to meet many friends including his lecturer at Makerere University in 1987 Professor Syed Abidi. The Minister on behalf of the Government pledged full support to all visitors, reiterating that despite the challenges Uganda is still a country worth investing.
Presentations
The World Federation Secretary General Alhaj Arifali Hirji read out a citation from World Federation for Kampala Jamaat which was presented to the Jamaat Chairman Alhaj Sibtain bhai Merchant by the World Federation President Alhaj Safder bhai Jaffer.
The sons of Marhum Alhaj Mohamed Rehmatullah who had served Kampala Jamaat in various positions and was also the Vice Chairman during the tenure of Alhaj Mustafa Kanji, Sajjad bhai and Sarfaraz bhai were present at the Celebrations and presented an award to Kampala Jamaat which was received by Alhaj Mustafa Kanji.
AFED Vice Chairman Alhaj Aunali Khalfan read out the Recognition Award on behalf of Africa Federation presented to Kampala Jamaat on its historic and auspicious occasion of the Centenary Celebrations, the award presented by the Chairman Alhaj Amine Nassor received by Alhaj Mohamed Manji.
The Ulemahs present were Ayatollah Ramazani from Iran, Maulana Syed Ali Abbas Rizvi (Resident Alim), Maulana Syed Abul Qasim from Australia, Sheikh Hussain Awali from Lebanon, Sheikh Dehghani from Iran and Sheikh Mustafa Murad from UK led and proceeded with the dignitaries of the high table for cake cutting ceremony. The event ended with display of fireworks and sell of hand paintings organized by AFED Women Board, the proceeds of which would be utilized to send deserving women of the Community who have not had the opportunity to go for Ziyarat to do so.
The Africa Federation Secretariat records its congratulations to Kampala Jamaat on its 100th anniversary and memorable celebrations. We pay tribute and pray for the maghferat of the various Community leaders of Kampala Jamaat who played important roles in the establishment and success of the Jamaat.
Let us remember them and all the Marhumeens with Sura-e-Fateha.
Secretariat