Kayunga Muslim District gets new Qadhi

By Ahmed Idriss
Sheikh Umar Ibrahim Gugumiza was officially sworn in as the new Qadhi of Kayunga
Muslim District on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The event, held at the District Main Mosque
in Kyerima Trading Centre, was presided over by Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad
Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti of Uganda, who previously served as Kayunga’s Qadhi
before his elevation to the national office.
The oath of office was administered by Haj Yunus Kamya, the Uganda Muslim Supreme
Council (UMSC) Electoral Commission Regional Commissioner, in the presence of
religious leaders, government officials, and local Muslim faithful.

In his farewell address, Dr. Sheikh Bukenya reflected on his tenure, highlighting the
district’s progress—including the construction of over 222 mosques since Kayunga’s
formation. He urged continued unity under UMSC and adherence to the monthly
contribution policy of UGX 10,000 per mosque, which funds Islamic activities.
“Let us remain steadfast in supporting our leaders and ignore divisive voices,” he said,
thanking Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje for his guidance and President
Yoweri Museveni for backing constitutional reforms that have strengthened Muslim
governance.
Sheikh Imran Ssali, UMSC Secretary for Religious Affairs, commended Dr. Sheikh
Bukenya’s transformative leadership and called on Kayunga’s Muslims to rally behind
Sheikh Gugumiza. He warned against defiance and unfounded criticism, urging instead
for constructive engagement.
“Leadership is a trust from Allah. Support your Qadhi, and let us avoid politics that
divide us, especially as elections approach,” Sheikh Ssali emphasized, reminding
clerics to remain neutral in political matters.
In his inaugural speech, Sheikh Umar Gugumiza vowed to serve all Muslims impartially,
fostering development and religious harmony. “I will build on the foundation laid by my
predecessors, ensuring education, mosque projects, and community welfare remain
priorities,” he declared.