The Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Jamaat (KSIJ) of Bukoba marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony of its second commercial project – Haydery Plaza on 20th May 2025. This modern G+2 commercial complex will house two residential apartments along with several shops and office spaces on the ground and first floors. Once complete, the project is expected to provide sustainable income for the smooth operation and development of the Jamaat.
The ceremony was graced by the Africa Federation (AFED) Chairman and Chief Guest, Alhaj Amine bhai Nassor, along with Trustee of AFED, Alhaj Shabir bhai Najafi, AFED Housing Board Chairman, Alhaj Akil bhai Hirji, and Alhaj Murtaza bhai Bhimani, the Representative of Comfort Aid International (CAI) to Africa. Also present were Trustees and Managing Committee members of Bukoba Jamaat, Elders of the community and invited guests.
The program commenced with recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Shaykh Ali, followed by a welcome speech by the Bukoba Jamaat Hon. Secretary, Br. Imranali Muraj. Alhaj Murtaza bhai Visram, Trustee of Bukoba Jamaat, extended his appreciation for the presence of the AFED delegation and thanked AFED and CAI for their continued support towards the Education and Commercial projects of the Jamaat.
Amine bhai Nassor, in his keynote address, praised the vision and determination of the Bukoba Jamaat leadership. He highlighted the significance of building robust infrastructure as a foundation for nurturing the younger generation and ensuring the Jamaat's long-term growth. He reiterated the Africa Federation’s vision of fostering well-developed, united communities and lauded the AFED Housing Board’s role in supporting such projects across the region.
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt Qasidas recited by the children of the Bukoba Jamaat, after which the dignitaries placed the foundation stone of Haydery Plaza, symbolizing a new chapter of growth for self-sufficiency for Bukoba Jamaat for the future development.
The day was a testament to the Bukoba Jamaat's determination to build a resilient and forward-looking community through education and sustainable development initiatives.
AFED delegation also visited the Jaffery School Bukoba, a project jointly developed by the Bukoba Jamaat and CAI. The school, which currently serves 780 students, features a modern computer lab equipped with 20 latest computers, TV, and air conditioning for pleasant learning environment. The delegation also toured the new science lab and library built to further enhance student’s learning.
Amine bhai expressed great satisfaction with the progress made by the Bukoba Jamaat, especially in the field of education. He commended the commitment to providing quality learning facilities, including the availability of clean, filtered drinking water across the school premises. The delegation also visited a classroom donated in 2004 by KSI Jamaat of Kampala.
From the AFED Archives:
Bukoba Jamaat has a profound history of investments in education field, the long vision of the past and present leadership makes the Jamaat amongst those who care for the future of the children, of our own community and of other communities as well.
The KSIJ Nursery School was established in 1960’s under the Chairmanship of Marhum Kassamali Allarakhiya and his team.
The KSIJ Primary School (upto Std. 6) was established in 2001 under the Chairmanship of Marhum Jafferali Visram, and completion of Primary School was in 2007, this was sponsored by Alhaj Fidahussein Rashid, Alhaj Mohamedali Kara and others.
In 2010, under the KSIJ Education Board Chairmanship of Alhaj Shabbirhussein Pyarali Khalfan and his team members, the Ismaili Jamatkhana was leased for use as a Secondary School. Alhaj Shabbirhussein bhai was then also the Vice Chairman of the Jamaat and the Chairman then was Alhaj Murtaza Visram. This project was supported by Alhaj Fidahussein Rashid, and the Laboratory was sponsored by Comfort Aid International.
In 2023, a new construction of the school in the KSIJ Mosque complex was carried out under the current Trusteeship of the Jamaat, Alhaj Murtaza Visram, the project was funded 60% by the Jamaat and 40% by Comfort Aid International – Africa division. All the schools are now in one location, a school built to a good standard with all modern facilities for education, i.e. Laboratories, Computer Room, Library etc.
We request our readers to remember the Marhumeen and all those who dedicated and contributed their resources, time and efforts in the establishment and running of the schools for the greater benefit of our children and the children of other communities, please recite Sura-e-Fateha for them and for all the Marhumeen – Al Fateha.
We commend the efforts of the Trustee, Alhaj Murtaza Visram for his commitment and efforts in modernizing the schools, promoting education, both religious and secular being one of the core objectives of the Jamaat moving forward. We pray for the success of the Jamaat, may Allah (SWT) grant the leaders, supporters and members of the community with good health, long life and tawfeeqat to continue with the noble endeavors, Aameen.
Secretariat
29th July 2025
