The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has established a new administrative district for Muslims in Zombo, ending their previous administration under neighbouring Nebbi Muslim District. The newly created Zombo Muslim District was formally inaugurated on Friday in Warr Town Council, near the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo border. Local Muslim leaders have called for support to build the new administrative structure.
The inauguration was presided over by the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, who was accompanied by the Second Deputy Mufti, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, and other UMSC officials. The creation of the district was formally announced by Counsel Hadad Salim, the UMSC Independent Electoral Regional Commissioner for West Nile.
The new district's first Kadhi, Sheikh Abdul-Azziz Qaasim Al Kuriy, welcomed the new administrative status, saying it came after years of operating under Nebbi. “We have been given the administrative identity we had waited for a long time. So, we must now build the institution that this identity deserves,” Sheikh Abdul-Azziz said, calling for support to strengthen the new district.
The inauguration was attended by Members of Parliament Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, Topista Acamfua and Gabriel Okumu, Resident District Commissioner Ayikobuwa Festos, senior army officer Gen. Dick Olum, a representative of the Alur Kingdom and other local leaders. The leaders pledged to work with the new Zombo Muslim District leadership.
Sheikh Mahdie Mahmood Raihan, the UMSC Regional Assistant to the Mufti for West Nile, briefed the gathering on the state of Muslims in the region. UMSC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, gave an update on affairs at the Council’s headquarters.
The Mufti, addressing the gathering in Swahili, thanked the people of Zombo for their reception and commended the government and local leaders for supporting interfaith cooperation. He also responded positively to requests from local leaders, including the construction of a Muslim secondary school and the operationalisation of other newly created Muslim districts in West Nile.
The Mufti and his delegation toured several UMSC facilities, including Warr Islamic Health Centre II, Warr Islamic Primary School and Daru Habib Islamic Nursery and School. They also visited a historic building that once served as the home and shop of Sheikh Sharif Said, a Muslim scholar originally from Mombasa, Kenya, who is remembered for his role in spreading Islam in the area.
Key points
- The creation of the Zombo Muslim District aims to enhance administrative efficiency and provide better services to the Muslim community in the region.
