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