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Darkhana in Kampala was the site of a milestone moment on 12 September 2025, as Mawlana Hazar Imam graced the Jamat in Uganda with didar.

Mawlana Hazar Imam conveyed guidance and blessings to the Jamat across the world, and expressed thanks to volunteers for their efforts to organise the visit. He showered blessings on the Jamat and reminded us of his immense love and affection. Hazar Imam later granted a separate mulaqat to young members of the Jamat at Kololo Jamatkhana in Kampala.

Arzina Kurji, President of the Ismaili Council for Uganda, delivered a welcome address, and the Mukhi of Kampala Darkhana submitted bayʿa to the Imam on behalf of the Jamat.

A gift was presented to Hazar Imam on behalf of the Jamat: Two miniature paintings from a manuscript of prayers and hadiths, believed to originate from 18th century Ottoman Turkey. They depict the Prophet Muhammad and Mawlana Ali (peace be upon them) with companions and leaders of the community respectively.

To celebrate the happy occasion, the Jamat prepared an art installation entitled Saba' Turuq Ila an-Nur, or Seven Paths to the Light. The display represents the collective journey of the Jamat, migrating from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, the Middle East, East Africa, Europe, Canada, the UK, and the USA—coming together as one family in Uganda.

Drawing inspiration from the 12th-century poem The Conference of the Birds by Persian poet Farid al-Din Attar, the installation reflects the journey of the individual while affirming a shared identity within a larger, interconnected community.

Seven valleys are expressed through symbolic forms—hands, globes, hearts, leaves, and feathers—constructed from recycled paper, foam, cloth, recyclable plywood, metal, natural acrylic pigments, and the living greenery of Uganda. Upon these forms, members of the Jamat of all ages have inscribed pledges to care for the environment and to serve the Imam and his Jamat.