BMM Uganda - Muharram 1448 AH - Juloos
- Secretariat
- 49 minutes ago
- 4 min read
BILAL MUSLIM MISSION UGANDA
MUHARRAM 1448 AH JULOOS
A HISTORIC OCCASION
On Sunday, 28th June 2026, Bilal Muslim Mission of Uganda organised a Muharram Juloos (procession) in Jinja City in remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.), grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), at Karbala. This was a landmark achievement for the Shia community of Jinja and for BMMU as a whole: it is understood to be the first such public Juloos to take place in Jinja City in nearly sixty years, marking the revival of a tradition long dormant in the region.
The event drew an overwhelming response, with attendance estimated at more than 500 participants who travelled from Kampala, Najja, Buikwe, Wannyange, Nakalanga, Tirinyi, Buweenge, Doho-Butaleja, Mayuge, and other parts of Eastern Uganda to take part in the commemoration, reflecting the unity and shared devotion of Shia communities across the country and beyond.
ORGANISATION AND AUTHORISATION
The Juloos was formally sanctioned by the Uganda Police Force, the Inspector General of Police authorised the Regional Police Commander, Kiira, to liaise with the organisers and provide security along the procession route. In compliance with all mandatory standards, BMMU secured the necessary clearances, and worked closely with the Regional Police Commander, Jinja City Council, and other relevant authorities to ensure a well-organised, peaceful, and secure gathering, with standard operating procedures for public health and safety observed throughout.
THE PROCESSION ROUTE
The Juloos departed from Narambhai Road, opposite the Mosque gate, proceeding along Main Street via Bell Avenue (past the General Post Office) and Lubas Road up to Clive Road, before returning along Main Street to Narambhai Road and descending back to the Mosque. Volunteers and marshals were stationed along the entire route to guide participants and maintain order, while an ambulance and security personnel from the Uganda Police Force and Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) remained on standby throughout to safeguard all in attendance. Drinking water was distributed to participants and to members of the public along the way, in keeping with the spirit of compassion and service associated with the day.
PROGRAMME OF THE DAY
OBSERVANCES OF THE DAY
In keeping with long-established Shia tradition, the day's programme combined the physical commemoration of the Juloos with the spiritual observances customary to Ashura. Following the procession, the congregation performed the Zohar prayers together, after which the Majlis was held a gathering centred on the recitation of the tragedy of Karbala, reflection on the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his companions, and remembrance of the values of justice, patience, and steadfastness that the day represents.
This was accompanied by Matam, the rhythmic expression of grief and solidarity with Ahlul Bayt (the Household of the Holy Prophet), and the recitation of Ziarat-e-Ashura, a salutation traditionally read on this day in honour of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and the martyrs of Karbala. Respective Sheikhs delivered scholarly addresses on the significance of Ashura, the philosophy of the Juloos, the events of Muharram, and the broader teachings of Shia Islam, reinforcing the day's message of sacrifice for truth and justice. The programme concluded with the distribution of Niyaz to all attendees before closing remarks brought the day's observances to an end.
CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS
In his address to the gathering, the Chairman of BMMU, Hajji Afzalali Bhimani, welcomed all attendees who had travelled from across Uganda to take part in the historic occasion. He reflected on the significance of Ashura and the enduring sacrifice of Imam Hussain (a.s.), grandson of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), calling on the community to draw lessons of steadfastness, justice, and devotion from the events of Karbala. The Chairman commended the unity displayed by the Shia community in reviving the Juloos in Jinja City after nearly six decades, and expressed gratitude to all who contributed to making the day a success.
VOTE OF THANKS
BMMU extends its heartfelt gratitude to all private donors for their generous support towards the successful organisation of this year's Muharram Juloos. We are equally grateful to Africa Federation for its continued guidance, encouragement, and support to BMMU and to Shia communities across the region.
We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Kampala Shia Ithnasheri Jamaat (KSIJ) for their invaluable support and solidarity, which contributed greatly to the success of this historic occasion.
Our heartfelt thanks to all, whose generosity and support behind the scenes made this event possible. Though many wish to remain unnamed, their contribution to reviving this Juloos in Jinja City will not be forgotten, and we pray Allah (SWT) rewards them abundantly for their generosity.
Sincere appreciation also goes to the dedicated Volunteers for the cooperation extended throughout the event; who worked tirelessly to ensure an orderly and safe procession; to the families who hosted and fed attendees; and to every participant who travelled, in some cases from far beyond Jinja, to stand together in remembrance of Imam Hussain (a.s.). May Allah (SWT) accept the efforts of all who contributed to this historic day.
KINDLY SCAN FOR JULOOS MEDIA
