Sheikh Nkangi remembered as a tireless servant of Islam
By Ahmed Idriss
Sheikh Ibrahim Nkangi could often be found riding a bicycle along dusty village roads, his turban on his head and a bag of Islamic books slung beside him as he travelled from one village to another teaching the Quran and supervising Imams.
That is how Rev. Father Benedict Kaweesa, a close relative of the late Sheikh Nkangi, remembers the former long-serving Kadhi of West Buganda Muslim District.
Speaking at an annual memorial prayer for Sheikh Nkangi on Sunday, August 9, Father Kaweesa said his relative’s commitment to serving Muslims was evident in the way he spent his days travelling through villages to teach and guide the community.
“Sheikh Nkangi was a Muslim both at heart and in appearance. He had a strong passion for teaching the Holy Quran. You could always find him on duty, riding a bicycle while donning his turban and carrying a bag full of Islamic books as he travelled along dusty roads deep into the villages to supervise the Imams and ensure that ordinary Muslim faithful received their spiritual enrichment,” he said.
The memorial, held at Sheikh Nkangi’s family home in Kalinti Village, Wakiso District, brought together relatives, Muslim leaders, scholars and members of the community, four years after his death.
Father Kaweesa, who is Headteacher of Kisubi Mapeera Secondary School, said Sheikh Nkangi’s commitment to Islamic service had left a legacy that continues through his family.
“One of his sons succeeded him as District Kadhi, followed by his grandson, Sheikh Erias Kigozi, who is the current Wakiso District Kadhi,” he said.
FAMILY URGED TO PRESERVE HIS LEGACY
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, was represented at the memorial by Sheikh Imran Abdnoor Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs.
Sheikh Ssali praised Sheikh Nkangi’s contribution to the Muslim community and urged his family to preserve his legacy by remaining united.
“Muslims still recognise and respect Sheikh Nkangi. It is therefore incumbent upon your household to preserve this legacy by maintaining unity, forgiving one another whenever misunderstandings arise and always being quick to reconcile to avoid unnecessary bickering among family members,” he said.
Sheikh Erias Kigozi, the current Wakiso District Kadhi and Sheikh Nkangi’s grandson, said he had mobilised individuals who had pledged to construct a multi-storey classroom block at Madinatul Munawarah Senior Secondary School in Wakiso in memory of his grandfather.
Sheikh Nkangi served for many years as Kadhi of the former West Buganda Muslim District, which was later reorganised into Greater Mpigi, Wakiso and Entebbe Muslim districts.
