Kigezi Muslims in leadership dispute

Division. The newly-appointed Sheikh says he was approved by the Mufti, Sheikh Ramathan Mubajje, but another section denies receiving any communication from the UMSC on the matter.

Some Muslims in Kabale District have refused to recognise Sheikh Lule Kabu as the new district kadhi, claiming that his appointment is irregular.

The group insists that the former district kadhi, Sheikh Ahamed Bujara, is still in charge.

Sheikh Bujara, who has been the kadhi for Kigezi for 16 years, says unless he receives an official retirement letter from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), he will not hand over office.

“The appointment of Sheikh Lule Kabu as the acting district kadhi is irregular because I have not received any information from the UMSC over his appointment,” Sheikh Bujara said at the weekend.

He added: “I suspect that this group is trying to blackmail the Muslim community in this area to control property at Esso and Rushaki mosques in Kabale town. Sheikh Kabu cannot be the district kadhi unless he has passed the examinations.”

However, Sheikh Kabu said he was duly appointed on December 3, last year, by the council awaiting consecration on January 27.

“My appointment as the acting district kadhi for Kigezi is regular because it is duly signed and stamped by his eminence, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Ramathan Mubajje. Those claiming that my appointment is irregular lack information,” he said.

The chairperson of the Kigezi District Muslim Council, Sheikh Isa Tindyebwa, said they had already approved Sheikh Kabu.
Sheikh Tindyebwa said those opposed to the appointment fear of being prosecuted for mismanaging of property.

“Those opposed to the appointment of Sheikh Kabu are wasting their time. They should join us as we prepare his consecration. We are ready to prosecute anybody who misused the Muslim property during the last regime,” he said.

Kigezi Muslim Elders Association has also opposed the appointment of Sheikh Kabu claiming that he is not well educated and a ‘foreigner’ from Isingiro District compared to their choice, Sheikh Kasim Kamugisha, who has a degree in Islamic laws and Arabic language and is a native of Kabale District.
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