A newly constructed mosque in rural Uganda has opened its doors during Ramadan, serving as a lasting tribute to Dr. Sulaymaan Al Majid, a British-based physician who tragically died in a Ras Al Khaimah aircraft crash in December 2024. The inaugural prayers at Masjid Sulaymaan Al Majid in Rutooma Village mark the completion of the first of two mosques built through a remarkable charitable campaign honoring the 26-year-old doctor’s legacy.
Dr. Al Majid, a clinical fellow at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, had been visiting family in the UAE when the sightseeing flight he was on crashed off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, claiming both his life and that of the pilot. In the aftermath of the tragedy, friends, colleagues, and UK mosque congregants launched a fundraising initiative through humanitarian organization One Nation that surpassed all expectations, generating sufficient donations to construct two mosques rather than the initially planned one.
The newly opened facility in Kamwenge District represents a transformative addition to the local community, where residents previously faced significant challenges accessing places of worship due to considerable travel distances, poor road conditions, and limited transportation options. The mosque accommodates over 120 worshippers and features solar-powered lighting, dedicated Quran storage, and rainwater harvesting systems—addressing both spiritual and practical needs of the community.
According to Majid Mukarram, Dr. Al Majid’s father, the second mosque project is nearing completion and expected to open later during Ramadan. The family expressed profound emotional significance in witnessing the first prayers conducted at the facility, viewing it as an ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah) that continues to honor their son’s memory while serving practical community needs.
Muhammad Al Majid, the deceased doctor’s younger brother and a medical student at the University of Central Lancashire, noted that the mosque embodies the values his brother championed throughout his life—community service, spiritual commitment, and practical compassion. Dr. Al Majid, who was born and raised in the UAE, had been widely respected within UK medical circles for his advocacy work improving recognition and wellbeing for NHS trainees through his role with the British Medical Association.
The project stands as testament to the global reach of charitable giving during Ramadan, demonstrating how tragedy can transform into enduring community benefit across international boundaries.