People. Community. Impact. And perhaps the beginning of something more. 🇺🇬🇲🇾🌍
It was a pleasure to participate in the Rotary Cancer Run in Kuala Lumpur, organised by the High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Kuala Lumpur, together with Rotary and participating partners.
More than a run
The event was about much more than running. It brought people together around cancer awareness, prevention, healthier communities and collective responsibility.
A conversation with the High Commissioner
For me, one of the most encouraging moments came through a conversation with Her Excellency, the High Commissioner of Uganda to Malaysia.
We discussed the potential role of Waqf and Islamic Social Finance in Uganda, particularly how properly structured Waqf institutions could contribute to sustainable social development rather than relying only on short-term charitable interventions.
I was greatly encouraged by Her Excellency’s interest in exploring how this could be developed for Uganda. This opens an important conversation.
What Waqf can be
Waqf should not simply mean collecting donations. At its best, it is about building enduring institutions and productive assets capable of financing education, healthcare, livelihoods, community development and other public-good priorities across generations.
This is precisely the direction we are advancing through Awqaf Africa: moving from episodic benevolence towards sustainable, governed and productive institutions that respond to Africa’s realities. Uganda could become an important part of that journey.
The next step is to engage properly
The next step is not to rush into programmes, but to engage properly:
- Understand Uganda’s institutional and regulatory environment
- Identify priority areas
- Engage the relevant national and community stakeholders
- Determine what kind of Ugandan Waqf model could create lasting value
The Africa–Malaysia relationship we should build
This is also the Africa–Malaysia relationship I believe we should continue building: one that moves beyond ceremonial engagement towards knowledge exchange, institutional development and practical solutions for our communities.
Appreciation
My appreciation to the High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Kuala Lumpur, Rotary, the organisers, volunteers and everyone who made the Cancer Run possible.
Sometimes a community event creates a conversation. And sometimes a conversation can become the beginning of an institution.
From community engagement to sustainable impact.
From the day
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