MUGABE R
Sheik Abdulmalik Byaruhanga Kayole, the Rukungiri District Khadi, was officially welcomed back from Mecca on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in a colorful ceremony celebrating his successful pilgrimage and crowning as Hajji — the highest pillar in the Muslim faith.
The event, held in Rukungiri, was graced by Sheik Abudulkarim Katamba, Assistant to His Eminence the Mufti, who oversees the Kigezi and Ankole regions. Sheik Katamba used the occasion to implore parents to dedicate their lives to God and serve their communities selflessly, emphasizing that such acts pave the way for blessings and success in their children’s lives.
He congratulated Sheik Abdulmalik and his twin brother for the spiritual milestone, attributing their success to a strong foundation laid by dedicated parenting and faith-based values.
Also in attendance was General Henry Tumukunde, a candidate for Rukungiri Municipality Member of Parliament, who emphasized the need for collective stakeholder action, including the involvement of religious leaders, in seeking justice and national reconciliation.
Former Rubabo County MP Hon. Mary Paula Kebirungi Turyahikayo praised Sheik Abdulmalik for promoting unity between Muslim and Catholic communities. She reiterated her commitment to establishing a public technical institute in Rujumbura County and launching Boona TV after the upcoming elections.
Maanige Wenceslas, Director of Boona FM and Broadway Education Consult, commended Sheik Abdulmalik’s leadership and interfaith approach, calling for investment in mosque infrastructure to support community development and the expansion of quality education opportunities across the district.
In his address, Hajj Abdulmalik expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for their support and acknowledged President Yoweri Museveni for sponsoring the Mecca trip. He urged Muslims to uphold the sanctity of the Hajj title by respecting the spiritual responsibilities it entails.
The ceremony highlighted the growing interfaith cooperation in Rukungiri and the potential of religious leaders to foster development and unity.
