UMSC takes control of Juma-Zukuli headquarters

By Ahmed Idriss

Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) last week stamped its authority over the Kyaddondo hill-based headquarters of the Juma and Zukuuli Muslim group, ending more than two-decade-long dominance by the rival Kibuli-based Office of the Supreme Mufti.

UMSC officials led by Sheikh Sheikh Muhammad Murshid Luwemba, the secretary for Religious Affairs who represented the Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubaje, took front-row seats as the annual Mauled to welcome the holy month of Ramadhan, hosted by the Juma and Zukuuli Muslim group on February 22.

This was the first time that the group’s new leadership under the stewardship of Sheikh Mahadi Abdunoor Kabuye Kawooya, the president-general effectively took charge following days of fighting between rival group members.

Kawooya was elected during a court-brokered extraordinary meeting in September, which resulted in the removal of Sheikh Muhammad Abdunoor Lunanoba who has since contested both the process and outcome of the election.

The Juma and Zukuuli Muslim Group is one of four factions unified by President Idi Amin in 1972 to form the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).

Kawooya expressed special gratitude to Sheikh Hussein Rajab Kakooza, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, for his contributions to preserving the association’s legacy. He also thanked the outgoing leadership for their dedicated service and reaffirmed the new leadership’s commitment to carrying forward their vision.

During the event, Counsel Abdu Aziz Lukwango Muguluma provided a historical overview of the association, tracing its roots back to its registration in 1957. Meanwhile, Secretary General Mr. Ssengendo Hassan Hussein Kakooza highlighted the new leadership’s achievements and outlined short-term goals, including the training of Muslim clerics in line with government and UMSC guidelines.