Kampala, 13 September, 2024 – The Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering a strategic partnership for mutual benefit. The signing ceremony, held at the UMSC Headquarters in Old Kampala, was graced by UPPC’s top management team and the Grand Mufti of Uganda, H.E Sheikh Shaban Mubajje.

This MoU sets the foundation for a dynamic collaboration between UPPC, the nation’s chief government printing and publishing entity, and UMSC, the unifying body for all Muslims and Muslim institutions in Uganda. The partnership will see both organizations pull their expertise to enhance operational efficiency, promote each other’s services, and deliver high-quality products to all stakeholders including the mosques, members and the general public.

At the signing ceremony H.E Sheikh Shaban Mubajje revealed that previously, the Council’s documents have not been baring any security features and have been printed on streets, a factor which has facilitated increased cases of forgery.

“It has come to our concern that not everyone can do the work of a big organization like UMSC which supervises close to 15,000 mosques in Uganda, 600 counties, 78 muslim districts headed by district qadhis, Gen Assembly of 464 representatives across the country and close to 100 staff at the head quarters,” revealed Sheikh Mubajje. 

Sheikh Mubajje, also highlighted the importance of the collaboration, noting,

"This partnership will greatly benefit the Muslim community and the nation as a whole, ensuring that we have access to quality, efficient, and affordable printing and publishing services."

Mr. Joseph Opio Okurut, the ICT Manager, representing the UPPC Managing Director, pledged to deliver high quality products and to ensure utmost efficiency.

“We are honoured to be part of this journey. As UPPC, we are confident that the MOU will open doors for new opportunities, which will not only help the Muslim community, but the nation at large,” remarked Okurut. 

The Public and Corporate Affairs Manager; Ms. Rebecca Nyakairu expressed UPPC’s enthusiasm about the partnership, saying,

"This MoU is a testament to our commitment to building strong alliances that enhance service delivery as enshrined in our recently launched five-year strategic plan. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with UMSC in advancing both entities’ mandates."

As part of this collaboration, UPPC will provide UMSC with a range of services, including printing, publishing, and advisory services, as well as gazetting services for official communications. UPPC will also offer commercial, security, and general printing services to UMSC at competitive rates, ensuring timely and quality output. In return, UMSC will promote UPPC’s services to its members, provide advertising space in its publications, and leverage its distribution networks to boost UPPC's outreach.