The Muslim community in Bundibugyo is demanding independence from the Toro region. It wants its own district khadhi and autonomy from the regional headquarters in Fort Portal.
Currently the four sheikhs from Nyahuka, Bugendera, Bwamba and Ntoroko report to the office in Fort Portal. In a petition sent to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council they say the Fort Portal office is too far removed to manage the concerns of Muslims in Bundibugyo.
Sheiks Ashraph Kibwama and Sulait Baddan Hussein, backed by hundreds of Muslims from Bundibugyo and the new district of Ntoroko, have signed the petition.
Sheikh Ramadhan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda, welcomes the suggestion for the creation of a new district. He says a final decision on the matter will be made during the general assembly of the Supreme Council set for November 26th.
Mubajje advises the Muslim community in Bundibugyo to take extra precautions in selecting new leaders for their district. He notes that in the past year the community has suffered setbacks because of disagreements concerning national leadership and cautions against similar dissent in the proposed new administrative center.
###
