Kampala University Mourns the Passing of Prof. Dr. Sheikh Abdallah Omar Naseef — A Global Icon of Islamic Scholarship and Scouting
Kampala University joins the global Muslim community and the international Scouting fraternity in mourning the passing of Prof. Dr. Sheikh Abdallah Omar Naseef, a towering figure in Islamic scholarship, interfaith dialogue, and youth empowerment. He passed away on Sunday, 12th October 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at the age of 86.
In a message of condolence issued by Prof. Badru D. Kateregga, Vice Chancellor of Kampala University, heartfelt sympathies were extended on behalf of the Uganda Scouts Association (USA), the National Union of Uganda Muslim Scouts (NUUMS), and the Kampala University community to the bereaved family, the World Islamic Union of Scouts and Youth (WIETS), the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Prof. Kateregga described the late Prof. Naseef as “a distinguished scholar, visionary leader, Islamic icon, and a lifelong supporter of youth empowerment and the Scouting movement.” He also recalled their close friendship and collaboration through the years, noting that Prof. Naseef was “a great statesman, a friend of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, and my personal friend.”
During his tenure as Secretary General of the World Muslim League (Rabitatul Aalamil Islami), Prof. Naseef played a pivotal role in fostering unity among Ugandan Muslims through the historic Makkah–Naseef Agreement. His contributions to the establishment of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC)—particularly his mediation efforts between Muslim groups in the 1970s and 1980s—remain a testament to his lifelong dedication to peace, dialogue, and Islamic brotherhood.
A passionate advocate for youth and interfaith collaboration, Prof. Naseef served as Chief Scout and Board Member of the Saudi Arabian Boy Scouts Association, President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts, and Member of the World Scout Committee. His enduring influence on global Scouting continues to inspire generations of young leaders across the Muslim world and beyond.
As Kampala University reflects on his remarkable legacy, the institution reaffirms its commitment to promoting the values he championed — education, unity, and service to humanity.
The full condolence message from Prof. Badru D. Kateregga, Vice Chancellor of Kampala University, is attached below.