MANAFWA. His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda has hailed the family of the late Haji Yusuf Watuwa for sustaining their father’s legacy of service to Islam and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
Speaking on behalf of the Mufti during the thanksgiving -Shukuru organized by the family of the Haji Watuwa at Musese Village in Manafwa District, Sheikh Ali Juma Shiwuyo, the UMSC Secretary for Hajj and Umrah, commended the family for sponsoring their father’s pilgrimage to Mecca.
“The Mufti recognizes this family as longstanding supporters of Islamic activities , tracing back to Mzee Juma Wanderema,” Sheikh Shiwuyo said. “The late Watuwa was also a personal friend of the Mufti through their collaboration in sports.”
Sheikh Shiwuyo called upon the family to extend their generosity by contributing towards sending another representative to perform Hajj on behalf of their patriarch father, Sheikh Juma Wanderema — a cause to which he also pledged to support. He assured Muslims that the UMSC remains “stable and firm” under the Mufti’s leadership and invited veteran member Haji Edirisa Dumbulu for a guided tour of the UMSC headquarters.
The Shukuru was attended by prominent Muslim leaders, including Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wandega, the Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti; Sheikh Ishaq Nangoye, former Kadhi of Lango; Sheikh Abdul Hakim Mugoya, Kadhi of Sironko; and Sheikh Twaha Nabudensi, Kadhi of Bududa.
Earlier, Haji Munir Watuwa, who performed Hajj on behalf of his late father, thanked his siblings for pooling resources to sponsor the pilgrimage. He urged Muslims to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam while still energetic.
“Hajj is not for the wealthy but for all determined Muslims,” he said, citing a Bangladeshi cobbler he met in Mecca who had saved for 20 years to fulfill the obligation.
Haji Edirisa Dumbulu, one of the founding members of the UMSC, urged those working with the Mufti to support and protect the Council’s unity and legacy.
Meanwhile, Issa Wanderema, a member of the UMSC General Assembly, praised the Mufti for his steadfast leadership despite challenges and lauded the late Watuwa as a dedicated servant of Islam. He revealed that the family had donated land for the construction of a Seed School and an Imams Training Centre for South Bugisu and appealed for UMSC’s support toward the project.
Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wandega faulted some county sheikhs for not updating their communities on developments at the UMSC headquarters, urging them to visit and stay informed so they can guide their congregations effectively.