Derrick A
The Muslim community in Rukungiri district celebrated a special Juma prayer event to mark the one-year anniversary of the leadership of their district Muslim Khadi, Sheik Abdul Malik Byaruhanga Kayole. The prayers took place at the Rukungiri main mosque, with the district khadi leading the ceremony, attended by Muslim leaders from all 33 mosques across the district.
During the prayer gathering, departmental heads presented their 2023 reports and outlined their plans for 2024, as detailed in the work plan shared with imams, committee leaders, opinion leaders, and all attendees. Sheik Abdulmalik Kayole expressed gratitude to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, for entrusting him with the position of Rukungiri Muslim District Kadhi.
He also appreciated the support of the government of the Republic of Uganda, led by H.E Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, citing contributions through programs such as UPE and health centers. Sheik Abdulmalik reported on his one-year familiarization tour of all 33 mosques, engaging with the Muslim community to understand their challenges and work towards the development and strengthening of their religious practices.
While noting achievements such as mosque tours, main mosque renovations, and youth seminars, Sheik Abdulmalik highlighted the challenge of limited funds hindering activities outlined in the development-oriented work plan across the district.
He urged Rukungiri Muslims to distance themselves from disorganization caused by individuals like Sheik Abudallah Semambo, who was allegedly illegally installed as the Mufti of Uganda, emphasizing that according to their constitution, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje remains the rightful Mufti.
Hajji Abudalah Bananuka, the Rukungiri district Muslim chairperson, observed that many visited mosques were in poor condition, and plans for their renovation were underway. He called for cooperation among Muslims to work together for the successful implementation of the 2024 work plan.
Yahaya Tuesday, the secretary for education, mentioned that the office of the district Kadhi organized mock examinations for 2023 primary seven candidates, aiming to improve the performance of Muslim schools in PLE. The district Kadhi’s office also conducted a tour to assess the status of schools across the district, identifying the need for reinstating four collapsed mosque-based schools.
Saleh Turyamureba, Rukungiri Muslim District Council Treasurer, revealed that the main mosque sits on 4.8 acres of land, expressing a desire to set up more commercial units to enhance earnings for the development of their religion.
Habib Mwaza Nshagabasheija, the estates and development officer, emphasized the importance of obtaining clear documentation for the 33 mosques to process land titles, addressing concerns of land grabbing. He encouraged Muslim leaders to utilize mosque lands for income-generating activities rather than leaving them idle.
