Grand Opening Ceremony of the Bilal Secondary School in Kampala, Uganda

Our Ref:  AF/PR/044/25                                                      Date:  8th May 2025

Saturday April 12, 2025, marked a significant occasion in the history of the Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Jamaat of Kampala, Uganda, with the grand opening of the Bilal Secondary School. 

The opening ceremony was graced by His Excellency Republic of Iran Ambassador Dr. Majid Saffar, the Mayor of Kampala Mr. Salim Uhuru, Representative of the Ministry of Education and Sports Mr. Muteekanga George, Africa Federation Chairman Alhaj Amine Nassor, AFED Vice Chairman Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, AFED Trustee Alhaj Shabir Najafi, AFED Housing Board Chairman Alhaj Akil Hirji and CBB Chairman Alhaj Mohamed Hemani.    

The Punjani Charitable Trust of Toronto, Canada generously donated the full cost of the construction of the school building, including the furniture had travelled all the way from Canada to bless the opening ceremony. The highlight of the occasion was the humble presence of Alhaj Murabbi Mohammed Hussain bhai Punjani, the 94-year-old founder of the Punjani Charitable Trust, who expressed his excitement and joy at being in Kampala to witness his home Jamaat make such an amazing progress. 

The Punjani Charitable Trust members Alhaj Salim bhai Punjani, Alhaj Shafiq bhai Punjani, Alhaj Gulam bhai Punjani, Mrs. Fatima Shafiq Punjani and Chairperson Dr Riyaz Hassanali were also present to witness the grand ceremony. 

The Opening Ceremony was also witnessed by various leaders from other communities such as Aga Khan Ismaili Chairperson, Mukhi and the Aga Khan Custodian Board Chairman for East Africa Mr. Mohammed Dewji, Dawoodi Bohora Chairman, Indian Association leaders, Pakistan Association Trustees and Office Bearers and Indian Business Forum Chairman.  

Also present were the members of Kampala Jamaat Board of Trustees, Executive Committee and the members of the Jamaat. The Bilal Board of Directors had specially invited the parents, teachers and students to witness the milestone in the history of the Education sector of the Jamaat.

The function started with the recitation of The Holy Quran by Br. Aga Mohammed Lofti followed by the National Anthem of Uganda by the school children, tree plantation by the dignitaries, ribbon cutting by Alhaj Murabbi Mohammed Hussain bhai Punjani and tour of the newly constructed classes by the dignitaries and guests.

The program was followed by speeches from the Chairman of the Jamaat and Director of Bilal School, Alhaj Shabbar Virani who appreciated the whole team involved to make the historic and a dream turned into reality for the Bilal School.  He elaborated on its current structure of students, introduction of google class and expansion in the IT Lab. 

Mr. Muteekanga George who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Mama Janet Museveni congratulated everyone for this beautiful standing structure and appreciated the Punjani Charitable Trust for the development of the school in Uganda.  The Mayor of Kampala, Mr. Salim Uhuru in his speech once again extended support to the community for any development, progress and assistance required. He commended the Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Community for the development of the educational infrastructure which will benefit in educating the children for their future careers.

In his speech, Alhaj Amine Nassor, Chairman of the Africa Federation, congratulated the Kampala Jamaat on the inauguration of the Secondary School and emphasized the transformative power of education in uplifting communities. He expressed deep appreciation to Alhaj Murabbi Mohammed Hussain Punjani for the generous support extended by the Punjani Charitable Trust in funding the entire construction of the Bilal Secondary School. He further expressed his hope for continued collaboration with the Punjani Charitable Trust and urged the community to take full advantage of the scholarships being offered by the Trust for AI and Cyber Security courses. 

Alhaj Mustafa bhai Kanji gave vote of thanks to all the guests and appreciated the hard work and dedication by the Headteacher, teachers, Bilal Directors Alhaj Mohamed Raza Manji, Alhaj Shabbar Virani, Alhaj Sibtain Merchant and Br. Riyaz Mithani. Two members who were particularly recognized for their dedication during the construction period were Alhaj Shamir Hussain Manji and Alhaj Shabbir Kassamali.  The Women Board and Ladies Committee Chairlady Sis. Raihana bai Kanji together with her team were appreciated for their organization and set up of the whole event. 

A Token of Appreciation were awarded to Indicon Ltd who was the main contractor for an excellent construction and finishing of the Secondary school. Mr. Hakim Kakaire of ECCI was awarded for architecture and designs of the building and Mr. Godfrey for his mason works around the site.  

Kampala Jamaat bestowed their highest recognition of Imam Ali (‘A) award to Alhaj Murabbi Mohammed Hussain bhai Punjani for having dedicated his entire life in community work especially during the repossession of the Jamaat properties in Uganda. He was also appreciated for his generous contribution towards the Punjani Charitable Trust Building - Bilal School Secondary Section. The citation was read out by Africa Federation Trustee Alhaj Shabir Najafi elaborating the enormous career of Alhaj Murabbi Mohammed Hussain bhai Punjani and the noble works being carried on by his children and board members. 

The grand ceremony ended with a cake cutting by Alhaj Murabbi Mohammed Hussain bhai Punjani and Alhaj Shabbar bhai Virani which marked the opening of the ground plus two storey Punjani Charitable Trust Building for the Secondary School.

The Bilal Primary and Nursery Schools, and now the Secondary School have been committed to providing high-quality comprehensive education to our community and non-community students across Kampala city. Primary-going students are aligned to the Uganda National Curriculum. Students in Secondary Grades 1 to 4 follow the Uganda Secondary Education curriculum, which leads to the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE). This is administered by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).

On behalf of the Africa Federation Chairman, Alhaj Amine bhai Nassor, the Office Bearers and Trustees, we extend our best wishes and prayers for prosperity to the Kampala Jamaat for achieving this historic milestone in the field of education.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Alhaj Murabbi Mohamed Hussain Bhai Punjani, his family members and the Punjani Charitable Trust for their great contribution to the Kampala Jamaat, we pray that these relationships and collaboration continues for many decades to come, Insha’allah.

SECRETARIAT

AFED Housing Board Chairman Visits Dodoma Jamaat

On Friday, 2nd May 2025, The Housing Board Chairman Alhaj Akil Hirji, accompanied by Project Coordinator Br. Mohamed Moledina and KSI Jamaat Dodoma Chairman Alhaj Mohamedabbas Ebrahim, made an official visit to Dodoma. 

During the visit, Akil bhai toured the Jamaat’s facilities, including the Masjid, Imambargha, and surrounding infrastructure to assess its condition and potential future development. He also visited the Kabrastan plot.

After Zohrain Namaaz, Akil bhai Hirji held a meeting with Mohamedabbas bhai Ebrahim at the Jamaat office. The discussion focused on the current state of Jamaat facilities and their potential development. It was observed that the facilities require only minimal improvements. Mohamedabbas bhai assured that the improvements will be managed by the Jamaat itself. He, however, highlighted the need for economic guidance and strategic support to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the planned improvements. 

Mohamedabbas bhai provided a historical overview of Dodoma Jamaat which was established in the early 1950s.   He recalls that when he moved to Dodoma in 1985, the Jamaat was led by Marhum Seyed Hassan Ansar Hussein Naqvi and comprised of approximately 12 families. Between 1986 and 1992, the Africa Federation extended an economic upliftment loan of TZS 1 million to about 20 families to encourage settlement in Dodoma.

During this time, Marhum Muzzafar Hussein Gulamali and his wife, Marhuma Kanizbai, along with his sister, Raziya Bai, played a significant role in rendering invaluable support to the families. Additionally, his brother, Marhum Shaukat Hussein Gulamali, and Marhum Salim Panjwani were instrumental in safeguarding the Kabrastan plot from being taken over by the land authorities.  Over time, many families migrated to Dar es Salaam and other regions in pursuit of better educational and medical facilities.  

At present, the Jamaat generates income from five shops adjacent to the mosque compound. These were constructed in 2016 through generous donations from various members under the leadership of Alhaj Mohamedabbas bhai and Marhum Alhaj Mazaher Hussein Lalji. Additionally, a rentable property near the Kabrastan contributes to the Jamaat’s monthly operational costs and the organization of Muharram programs facilitated by the Dodoma Jamaat. 

Despite the relatively small size of the community, there are promising opportunities in Dodoma. The Jamaat is now requesting support from the Africa Federation in the form of an economic development loan to construct a one-storey building. The proposed structure would include commercial shops on the ground floor and one-bedroom studio apartments on the upper floor. These units would serve visitors, students attending the University of Dodoma (UDOM), and individuals interested in exploring business and industrial prospects in Dodoma. 

Mohamedabbas bhai emphasized the need to increase Jamaat membership by developing residential and commercial facilities near the mosque. He reiterated that the centre is located in a prime area of Dodoma capital. With proper development, the Jamaat could accommodate a full-time resident Aalim and offer improved services to the community. 

Akil bhai Hirji commended the dedication and long-standing efforts of the Dodoma Jamaat leadership. He praised the Jamaat’s commitment to maintaining its facilities and working towards self-sustainability. Akil bhai also noted that the ongoing infrastructure developments and improved connectivity via the SGR Railway presents renewed advantages for community growth in Dodoma. 

The proposal to construct a one-storey building with commercial and residential units was well received. The Housing Board will present the plan to the Africa Federation Office Bearers and Trustees to determine the next steps towards implementing the project. 

Visit to Mosque compound

Visit to Kabrastan and adjacent rented area

During the visit to Dodoma, Akil bhai Hirji also visited the Dar ul Muslimeen Centre, which is managed by Alhaj Sheikh Muslim Bhanji. A brief meeting was held with him, during which he provided an overview of the Centre’s ongoing activities and services. 

Sheikh Muslim Bhanji explained that the centre currently operates a nursery, primary, and secondary school, serving over 800 students. He highlighted their policy to ensure that at least 10% of the student population is sponsored, a goal that is achieved through the generous support of donors. He further noted the recent addition of a clinic at the campus, which is open to the public and enhances the centre's outreach in the area. 

In addition to the educational and healthcare services, Sheikh Muslim bhai also runs a Hawza with approximately 80 students. Akil bhai was highly impressed with the progress and the comprehensive approach to community service. He commended Sheikh Muslim bhai for his dedication and encouraged him to continue his commendable work for the betterment of the community at large. 

Sheikh Muslim Bhai Bhanji commendable work in areas of Tabligh, Education and now Healthcare is recognized by the Africa Federation, we pray that Sheikh Muslim Bhai continues with the efforts to promote the religion of Islam and the Madha’ab of Ahlulbayt (‘A) in the capital city of Tanzania. 

A visit to Dar ul Muslimeen in Dodoma

Alhaj Akil Hirji expresses his heartfelt gratitude to the Dodoma Jamaat for their warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made on short notice visit.

Let us please recite Sura-e-Fateha for the past leaders, pioneers and volunteers of Dodoma Jamaat, the Marhumeen of Dodoma Jamaat, and all the Marhumeen, Al Fateha.

Secretariat

Housing Development Board

7th May 2025

Don't Miss! Pre-University Exhibition at your local Jamaat on 9th May 2025

💐 In celebrating the Wiladat of our 8th Holy Imam (as), we present a Pre-Uni Exhibition at various Jamaats for the first time ever! 😍

🕖 Join us on Friday 9th May 2025 and get a firsthand in-depth understanding of what Pre-Uni is all about and what you might expect from the course that will be running for a 4th consecutive year at Seascape Hotel - Dsm, starting 25th July! 🌟

⌛ Early-bird sales are ongoing at a heavily subsidised cost of only $200 and guess what... we will have extra surprises for applicants who book on the spot at the exhibition, you simply don't want to miss out! 😎

💬 To find out if the exhibition is happening at your local Jamaat and for more info, WhatsApp us on: +265993410274

🤩 Excited to see you there, so we can help kickstart your journey into the future, one step at a time! 🤲