By Ashraf Zziwa
His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, presided over the consecration of Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan as the North Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti. The event, held in Soroti City wednesday Nov 27th 2024, marked the establishment of the 10th Muslim region, combining the Muslim districts of Teso and Karamoja, in line with the recently amended UMSC Constitution (2022).
Despite intermittent heavy rains, Muslim leaders, elders, men, women, school children, and the wider public braved the weather to witness the momentous occasion.
Upon his arrival in Soroti, the Mufti was accompanied by a high-level delegation from UMSC, including Dr. Hafidh Muhammad Harunah Bukenya (2nd Deputy Mufti), Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira (UMSC National Chairperson), Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma (Deputy Secretary General – Finance and Administration), Hon. Nasser Musa Odongkara (Head of Awqaf-Endowment), Hon. Sheikh Abdu-barri Muhammad Kaloozi (Secretary for Zakah and Swadaq), Hon. Sophie Safina Kenyangi (National Muslim Women Council), Sheikh Imran Abdnoor Ssali (Secretary for Religious Affairs), Sheikh Abdu-Karim Abdullah Katamba (Director of Halal), and regional assistants Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda Busungu (Kampala), Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wandenga (Eastern), Dr. Sheikh Hassan Mwaita (Busoga), and Sheikh Mahaddie Raihan (West Nile). The delegation was warmly received by the Teso Muslim District leadership led by Sheikh Asuman Muhammad Ocen, the Kadhi.
During the visit, the Mufti toured the ongoing construction of a five-bedroom house for Sheikh Juma Mubarak, a long-serving Islamic propagator in Teso, spearheaded by Sheikh Obilan. The initiative to raise funds for the house was inspired by the elder’s dedication to Islam, particularly during the insurgency period in the region. In a display of solidarity, the Mufti and other dignitaries made significant pledges to support the project, including cement, iron sheets, cash donations, and other building materials. They also visited the proposed site for Regional Offices
The formal consecration ceremony took place at Swalia Muslim Primary School’s sports field, where Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan took the oath of allegiance and secrecy, administered by Hon. Abubaker Wadanghor Were, UMSC Electoral Commission Chairperson. The event featured entertainment from schoolchildren and speeches from distinguished guests, including Mr. Okiring Sam, Assistant District Resident Commissioner (East Division, Soroti City) and Rev. Dr. Eciru Oliach, Joseph, from the Soroti Catholic Diocese. Both guests pledged to collaborate closely with Sheikh Obilan in his new role.
In his maiden remarks, Sheikh Obilan emphasized three areas of focus: mobilizing the Muslim faithful to value education (encompassing Islamic theology, secular education, and vocational training), fostering development programs, and building strong partnerships with stakeholders. Prof. Dr. Lubega expressed his concern over the loss of Muslim prime land, including schools like Soroti SSS and Swalia Muslim Primary School in Soroti City, and pledged to work on recovering these assets for UMSC.
Dr. Sheikh Bukenya and Hon. Aluma shared words of wisdom during the ceremony. The Mufti concluded the event with a moving speech, urging Muslims to support UMSC’s self-sustainable projects aimed at boosting household incomes. He also reaffirmed the UMSC’s ongoing efforts to recover lost properties, including land that had been taken decades ago. Lastly, the Mufti encouraged all Muslims to attend the UMSC’s 52nd anniversary celebrations on December 12, 2024, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
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