Commemorating the Legacy of Imam Hussain (a.s) & Karbala
The arrival of Muharram 1447 AH marked the beginning of a new Islamic year and ushered in a sacred period of mourning, reflection, and spiritual renewal. It is a month that revives the memory of Imam Hussain (a.s) and his 72 devoted companions, whose stand at Karbala remains a timeless symbol of truth, justice, and sacrifice.
Across Uganda, the Bilal Muslim Organization of Uganda (BMOU) led nationwide commemorations, bringing together communities in heartfelt remembrance. From the streets of Kampala to the mosques in Jinja and remote village centers, the spirit of Karbala burned brightly, uniting believers in grief and devotion. These programs offered not only a tribute to the martyrs but also a call to uphold the values they died for—faith, dignity, and resistance against oppression.
Annual Ashura Procession in Kampala
As part of the Muharram 1447 commemorations, BMOU organized its Annual Muharram Procession in Kampala, drawing over 1,500 mourners in a moving expression of love, unity, and loyalty to Imam Hussain (a.s) and his noble companions.
This year’s procession was especially honored by the presence of several distinguished guests, including:
H.E. Majid Saffar, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Uganda
Alhaj Shabbar Virani, Hon. Chairman of KSIJ Kampala
Sheikh Rashid, Hon. Chairman of the Pakistan Association
Members of the KSIJ Kampala
Their participation reflected strong inter-community unity and shared reverence for the message of Imam Hussain (a.s). BMOU is especially grateful for the support and collaboration of KSIJ Kampala, whose dedicated volunteers played a crucial role in organizing, guiding, and ensuring the smooth flow of the procession.
The procession began from William Street and made its way through the heart of the city, concluding at Darbar-e-Hussaini on Kampala Road. Throughout the procession, the streets of Kampala resonated with the heartfelt cries of “Labbayka Ya Hussain”, as mourners recited Noha and Marsiya, remembering the tragedy of Karbala with deep sorrow and reverence.
Men, women, and children from different Bilal centers across Uganda joined shoulder to shoulder, walking in solemn remembrance of the sacrifice made over 1,300 years ago. Volunteers coordinated the movement with discipline and care, ensuring the smooth flow of the procession while also offering water and milk Sabeel to participants and members of the public along the route.
The atmosphere was one of deep spirituality, reflection, and collective strength. The unity witnessed in the procession reminded all that the message of Imam Hussain (a.s)—the stand against injustice, the defense of truth, and the spirit of sacrifice—continues to inspire hearts across generations and continents.
Flag Raising at BMOU Headquarters
The flag raising ceremony was held at the BMOU Headquarters in Kampala, marking the formal beginning of the Muharram mourning programs. With deep reverence and solemnity, the flag of Hazrat Abbas (a.s) was raised in the courtyard, symbolizing the arrival of the days of grief and remembrance.
Community members gathered to witness this emotional moment, which was accompanied by recitation of Marsiya, Noha, and short reflections on the loyalty and valor of Hazrat Abbas (a.s). The raising of the flag served not only as a visual reminder of Karbala, but as a spiritual call to renew one's allegiance to the mission of Imam Hussain (a.s).
The ceremony set a powerful tone for the ten nights of majalis that followed, uniting the community in love, grief, and steadfast remembrance.
Majalis at BMOU HQ & AhlulBayt Mosque, Jinja
BMOU Headquarters in Kampala and AhlulBayt Mosque in Jinja became centers of nightly mourning, learning, and reflection during the first 10 nights of Muharram. Each night featured:
Tilawat al-Qur’an
Noha & Marsiya recitation by youth and senior reciters
Lectures by renowned scholars focusing on the lessons of Karbala
Ziyarat Ashura and communal supplications
The universal values of Karbala
Role of women in the movement (especially Bibi Zainab (s.a.)
The philosophy of sacrifice and divine justice
Application of Imam Hussain’s stand in our daily lives
Spreading the Message to Remote Regions
Understanding the importance of inclusive religious outreach, BMOU facilitated Muharram programs across upcountry centers in Nakalanga, Kibundaire, Tirinyi, and Kyankwanzi. Despite logistical challenges, the programs were well-attended and deeply impactful.
Four consecutive nights of Majalis.
Local scholars and guest speakers.
Community Noha circles.
Ziyarat Ashura and communal supplications
This act of service not only honored the martyrs of Karbala but also extended a message of humanity, love, and selflessness—touching the hearts of many from all walks of life.
Over 30,000 bottles of clean drinking water and 3,000 liters of milk were distributed freely to the general public in various locations, including during the Ashura procession in Kampala and around major mosques, junctions, and community areas. Volunteers served with dedication and compassion, embodying the spirit of Imam Hussain’s mission.
As part of the Muharram 1447 activities, BMOU organized widespread Sabeel distributions in remembrance of the thirst and suffering faced by Imam Hussain (a.s) and his companions on the plains of Karbala.
Ashura Day Procession At Jinja Mosque
Participants came from the local Jinja community as well as nearby centers—Al Huda (Kibundaire) and City of Knowledge (Buwenge)—joining together in grief and solidarity. The short walk, filled with “Ya Hussain” chants and somber Noha, captured the essence of Ashura: mourning, unity, and unwavering love for Imam Hussain (a.s).
On the day of Ashura, a heartfelt and symbolic procession was held at the Ahlul Bayt Mosque in Jinja. Mourners walked from the mosque through the back entrance to the library, then returned by entering the mosque through the main front gate, creating a spiritual loop of reflection and remembrance.
MESSAGE FROM BMOU CHAIRMAN
Karbala is not a tale of the past—it is a compass for our future. We are honored to serve this mission and grateful to each and every person who contributed their time, energy, and resources this Muharram. May the love of Imam Hussain (a.s) always guide our steps toward justice and truth.
Bilal Muslim Organization of Uganda
