The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has commended the leadership of Wakiso Muslim District for promoting unity, strengthening Islamic institutions and advancing community development, urging other Muslim districts across the country to emulate its achievements.
Sheikh Mubaje praised the district leadership, headed by Kadhi Sheikh Erias Kigozi, saying its progress reflected the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’s (UMSC) long-term vision of transforming Muslim communities through effective leadership, unity and self-reliance.
The Mufti made the remarks during a ceremony at Rahman Mosque in Nansana Municipality, which brought together Muslim leaders, government officials, students and hundreds of worshippers. The event featured the presentation of a posthumous presidential award, commemorations marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and special prayers for candidates preparing for national examinations.
In his address, Sheikh Mubaje applauded Wakiso Muslim District’s leadership for embracing the development agenda he introduced upon assuming leadership of the UMSC 26 years ago.
He urged other Muslim districts to draw lessons from Wakiso’s progress, emphasising that unity, commitment and accountable leadership were essential to the social and economic transformation of Muslim communities.
The Mufti also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Ibrahim Nkangi, the former long-serving Kadhi of West Buganda Muslim District, whose contribution to the growth of Islam and efforts to mobilise Muslims to participate in government development programmes earned him a posthumous presidential award.
The award, conferred by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, was formally presented to Sheikh Nkangi’s family by the Mufti during the ceremony.
Sheikh Nkangi was the paternal grandfather of the current Wakiso Muslim District Kadhi, Sheikh Erias Kigozi. Wakiso Muslim District was subsequently carved out of the former West Buganda Muslim District.
Sheikh Mubaje thanked President Museveni for recognising the late cleric’s contribution to the Muslim community and national development. He also commended Sheikh Kigozi for demonstrating leadership qualities similar to those of his grandfather, particularly his commitment to fostering unity and strengthening Islamic institutions.
Speaking at the event, UMSC Secretary General Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi praised Sheikh Kigozi and his leadership team for the progress made in the district.
Muluubya said the achievements represented an important contribution to the implementation of the UMSC’s Ten-Year Strategic Development Plan, which aims to strengthen Islamic institutions and improve the welfare of Muslim communities across Uganda.
The ceremony also featured the awarding of certificates to mosque imams and Muslim women leaders who had completed short refresher courses at Namasuba College of Commerce and Vocational Studies.
Sheikh Mubaje commended the institution’s principal, Dr Hajj Jamil Ssebalu Kijjambu, for introducing training programmes designed to equip Muslim religious leaders and women leaders with knowledge and practical leadership skills.
The event concluded with the Mufti reiterating his call for Muslim leaders across the country to prioritise unity, education, effective leadership and sustainable development as key pillars for transforming their communities.