The Ateker Muslim Development Foundation (AMDEF), in collaboration with the Soroti University Muslim Students Association, has donated essential items and stationery worth UGX 1.5 million to inmates at Soroti Main Prison, which currently holds a population of 1,355 prisoners.
Among the donated items were exercise books, sugar, soap, salt, rice, and copies of the Qur’an.
The initiative was aimed at sharing the little they have with those behind bars, reflecting the spirit of compassion and unity.
AMDEF, a non-governmental organization founded by Muslims from the Teso and Karamoja regions, is dedicated to spreading Islam, improving education through school construction and sponsorships, and enhancing healthcare services by lobbying for support across the region.
Sheikh Obilan Abubakar Umar, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of North Eastern Uganda (Teso and Karamoja) and Executive Director of AMDEF, visited both Muslim and Christian inmates at Soroti Main Prison and led them in Juma prayers.
“Even though we are here in prison, let’s put our trust in Almighty Allah. He has not forgotten us. He still loves us. It’s just a matter of time before you’re out of here,” Sheikh Obilan comforted the inmates during his sermon.
Noting that the visit coincided with both Friday prayers and Good Friday, Sheikh Obilan emphasized shared values between Muslims and Christians.
He reflected on the trials faced by Jesus in Christian belief and reminded Muslims of similar challenges experienced by the prophets in Islamic teachings.
While leading Juma prayers, he urged prisoners to always trust in Allah, emphasizing that He is the only true guide in life.
He encouraged them to view prison as a place for transformation rather than punishment, drawing parallels to Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), who was imprisoned for many years despite his innocence.
“This prison is not your final destination, and you are not the wrongdoers. It is a place to correct your past and become better people who can teach others the values of life,” he said.
Sheikh Obilan also called on inmates to live in harmony, share what little they have, and nurture a prayerful and peaceful environment inside the prison.
His message was warmly received, with Muslim inmates expressing joy and gratitude for the spiritual guidance and support.
The inmates raised several concerns, including the need for a larger mosque, more copies of the Qur’an, portable blackboards, chalk, a reliable water source, and access to legal assistance.
In response, Sheikh Obilan promised to construct a proper mosque within the prison, provide every Muslim inmate with a copy of the Qur’an, and ensure the drilling of a borehole to improve water access.
He also assured them that their concerns about legal aid would be addressed.
During the visit, Sheikh Obilan announced a three-day tour of the region by the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, and conveyed the Mufti’s message urging prisoners to remain steadfast in faith, reminding them that Allah has not abandoned them.
He further appealed to the general public to maintain contact with their incarcerated loved ones, stressing the importance of support and love even for those who have made mistakes.
“There’s always a tendency to forget our brothers, sisters, and friends once they are imprisoned. Let us continue to visit them and share love. Some are innocent, others made mistakes, but they all deserve compassion and a second chance,” Sheikh Obilan concluded.
He urged everyone to obey and respect the law, committing to good deeds to avoid falling victim to similar circumstances.
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