Muslim MPs get new leaders
By Issa Kigongo
Katikamu South MP, Hassan Kirumira Lukalidde, is the new chairperson of the Muslim Parliamentary Caucus, replacing former Bugiri MP, Asuman Basalirwa who lost his re-election bid to the 12th Parliament.
Having served as the deputy Imaam in the 11th Parliament, Kirumira clinched the chairmanship with ease. He will be deputised by Mukono North MP, Abdallah Kiwanuka. Also elected are; Abubaker Kawalya (Rubaga North) as general secretary, Karim Masaba (Mbale Industrial Division) as deputy secretary general, Hakim Kizza Sawula (Bukoto South) as publicity secretary, and Muhammad Nsegumire (Mityana South) as secretary for international relations.
Arua Central Division MP Muzaid Khemis was elected treasurer, deputised by Kawempe South MP Madiinah Nsereko. Madinah Islamic University-trained Ismail Kaka Lubega (Kakuuto County) was chosen as the Parliamentary Imaam, while Zahara Maala Luyirika (Makindye West) assumed the newly created position of Parliamentary Amiraat.
Speaking after his election, Kirumira said the enactment of the Qadhi Courts Bill would top the caucus’ legislative agenda. The bill had earlier been tabled as a private member’s initiative by Basalirwa but, despite being gazetted, it was never scheduled for a second reading.
“We are going to sit and develop a legislative agenda that will guide us. The Muslim community has a stake in this country and we must work to ensure its interests are represented,” Kirumira said.
Basalirwa urged the new leadership to remain united and focused on issues affecting the Muslim community.
“We should continue speaking with one voice on issues that concern Muslims and the country at large,” he said.
The newly elected Parliamentary Imaam, Ismail Kaka, thanked Allah for the opportunity to serve and pledged to promote unity among Muslims.
“My colleagues entrusted me with this responsibility and I accepted it because leadership is service to the community. We know that one day we shall be accountable before Allah for how we handled this responsibility, and therefore we must serve with honesty and commitment,” he said.
Kaka said his role would extend beyond Parliament to strengthening Islamic values and fostering unity among Muslim leaders across the country.
“For the rest of my time, I will continue preaching to the community and guiding fellow leaders on matters concerning Islam. Islam teaches unity, discipline and responsibility, and these are values we want to promote within the caucus,” he said.
He added: “We shall use this platform to bring together Muslim leaders from different regions so that we can work together for the development of our community and the country.”
