community 19 September 2026 Nile Post
UMSC Officials Enhance Understanding of International Humanitarian Law with ICRC
Officials from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) recently participated in a two-day follow-up training session focused on International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The training, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), aimed to bolster the understanding and promotion of humanitarian principles within Muslim communities. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/371729/umsc-officials-deepen-understanding-of-international-humanitarian-law
A specialized training program has concluded, equipping officials from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) with a deeper understanding of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The two-day event, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), emphasized the alignment between Islamic teachings and the protection of civilians and human dignity during times of armed conflict.
The training sought to strengthen the capacity of Muslim religious leaders to not only comprehend but also actively advocate for humanitarian principles within their respective communities. The sessions were inaugurated by Kedir Awol Omar, Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, who highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the ICRC and UMSC in promoting IHL.
Hajji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, Secretary General of UMSC, who represented the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, noted that the follow-up training provided a valuable platform for officials to enhance their knowledge, exchange experiences, and solidify their roles as religious leaders in humanitarian advocacy. He welcomed Ahmad Al-Dawoody, a Legal Adviser for Islamic Law and Jurisprudence at the ICRC headquarters, as a key facilitator.
Muluubya specifically pointed out the participation of District Kadhis from regions hosting refugees displaced by conflict, particularly in the West Nile area. He commended the ICRC for its commitment to raising awareness among Muslim leaders regarding IHL, stressing that its core principles resonate strongly with Islamic teachings.
Discussions during the training covered critical aspects of Islamic law in relation to armed conflict, including the humane treatment of non-combatants such as children, the elderly, and religious figures. Dr. Al-Dawoody also explored the protection of children, missing persons, and detainees under Islamic jurisprudence, fostering an understanding of the interconnectedness between Islamic legal traditions and humanitarian standards.
The UMSC reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening its partnership with the ICRC, aiming to further embed humanitarian values within Muslim communities. This initiative is part of broader efforts by both organizations to empower religious leaders with the knowledge necessary to support civilian protection and uphold human dignity in conflict-affected areas.