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Mufti Resolves Impasse Among Muslim Leaders in Bunyoro Muslim District

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His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, conducted a day-long working visit to Bunyoro Muslim District on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

 

 

This visit was in response to several petitions from Bunyoro District Muslim leaders, who called for his intervention after facing an impasse resulting in sharp disputes and misunderstandings. These issues stemmed from the poor governance of their educational institutions and income-generating projects, which violated procedures outlined in the UMSC Constitution.

 

Accompanied by UMSC heads of department, including Hon. Haj Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, UMSC Secretary General; Hon. Haj Ali Juma Ngobi, Secretary of Finance & Planning; Sheikh Imran Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs; Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, Education Secretary; Hon. Were Abubaker Wandaghor, Chairperson UMSC Electoral Commission; and Mr. Shaban Magala, Transport Officer, the Mufti first visited the District Kadhi’s office.

 

 

He was received by Sheikh Hussein Ghalib Amooti, Regional Assistant in charge of Bunyoro-Toro Muslim region, Sheikh Musa Babanja, the host Kadhi, and members of the General Assembly. They toured the ongoing construction of the Regional offices, which had reached the finishing phase at the historic Muslim Bwikya Hill in the center of Hoima Oil City.

 

The Mufti then proceeded to the main meeting venue at Bwikya Islamic Institute, where he was warmly welcomed by smartly dressed students from Bwikya Islamic Institute and nearby schools.

 

The Bunyoro Muslim District council meeting was officially opened in the mid-morning with welcoming remarks from the caretaker Kadhi, Sheikh Musa Babanja, followed by the elderly District Chairperson, Mr. Abdul Kayinja. Mr. Kayinja read a detailed report highlighting pressing problems, including the Kadhi illegally holding office after surpassing the age limit of 70 years, as stipulated by the UMSC Constitution. He mentioned that the council was in crisis following a frustrated impeachment process against District Secretary Iddi Magezi. The council also learned that a few individuals, including the Kadhi, had illegally leased out Bwikya Islamic Institute to certain private parties, similar to previous leadership actions with Hoima Town Mosque Primary School and 25 lockup shops, which allegedly generate at least UGX 100 million annually without any accountability from the Kadhi’s office.

 

During the meeting, the Mufti allowed representatives of the government area leaders, Mr. Ntuyo Shafii, Assistant Resident District Commissioner in charge of Hoima East Division, and Mr. Kasugga Amuli Kintu, Assistant Resident District Commissioner in charge of Hoima West Division, to address the gathering.

 

 

They both emphasized the importance of peaceful conflict resolution. Sheikh Hussein Ghalib also spoke about efforts to find solutions to prevailing challenges and mentioned the replacement of the Regional Secretary with Mr. Ssebunga Kassim due to inefficiency.

 

The meeting agreed to address the issues raised in the District Chairperson’s report. Hon. Were Abubaker Wandaghor guided the gathering by reading relevant articles of the UMSC Constitution regarding the impeachment procedures of District officials. After scrutiny, the gathering found that the impeachment process against the District Secretary was not constitutionally sound.

 

Tensions rose when discussing the issues of educational institutions and proceeds from leased property. Council members accused each other, particularly targeting Sheikh Ramadhan Kyalisima, Principal of Bwikya Islamic Institute, who was tasked to explain the school’s failure to meet expected academic standards despite its strategic position and infrastructure. He responded with performance figures and mentioned his dual teaching roles.

 

The key individuals accused of personalizing Muslim property in Bunyoro failed to explain their actions or provide accountability for the proceeds. Their conflict of interest was evident as they applied to the UMSC and signed agreements for transactions involving the property.

 

In his fatherly speech, the Mufti highlighted the persistent challenges within the Muslim community, tracing them to the informal ways early Arab merchants introduced Islam to Uganda. He discussed his administration’s efforts to amend the UMSC Constitution, supported financially by President Museveni. He noted gaps in governance due to inefficiency among Muslim leaders and addressed issues of discord sown by misguided individuals. The Mufti urged Muslims in Bunyoro to reconcile and work towards unity and development.

 

The Mufti tasked various UMSC departments with follow-up actions. The Office of the Secretary General, in conjunction with the Secretary for Finance & Planning and the Legal team, will handle property issues and proceeds. The Education Secretary will interact with the School Board of Governors to find solutions for proper management.

 

 

 

The UMSC Electoral Commission will work with the Bunyoro Muslim District Council to fill gaps in leadership. Sheikh Hussein Ghalib Amooti will liaise with Bwikya Islamic Institute to commence the teaching of Islamic theology to resolve the lack of trained Muslim clerics in Bunyoro.

 

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