HOIMA . President Museveni has donated a brand new double cabin vehicle and Shs10 million to Sheikh Rajab Mugenyi, the newly appointed District Khadi of Bunyoro.
The President was represented by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja at the official consecration ceremony held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Bwikya Hill—a historic Muslim site in the heart of Hoima Oil City.
The colorful and well-attended event marked Sheikh Mugenyi’s formal installation. Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including Hon. Mary Mugasa, Minister of State for Public Service; Balamu Barugahare, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs; and Ms Nyakato Asinasi, Woman MP for Hoima.
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) was represented by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, Second Deputy Mufti, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje.
He was accompanied by senior UMSC officials, including Hon. Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, Secretary General; Hon. Abdu-Razaq Arinda, 2nd Deputy Secretary General for Planning and Development; Sheikh Imran Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs; and Sheikh Hussein Ghalib Amooti, the Mufti’s Regional Assistant for Bunyoro-Toro.
Also in attendance were religious leaders from other faiths, including Rev. Canon Barongo and Rev. Msgr. Robert Mugasa, who represented Christian denominations, as well as Khadi from neighboring Muslim districts.
Hon. Andrew Byakutaga Atenyi, the Premier of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, also joined the celebrations.
In a speech read by Rt. Hon. Nabbanja, President Museveni congratulated Sheikh Mugenyi on his appointment and urged him to mobilize the Muslim community to embrace government-led social transformation initiatives, such as the Parish Development Model.
He encouraged the use of infrastructure, especially improved road networks, to create wealth and improve livelihoods.
The President also recognized the outgoing Khadi , Sheikh Musa Babanja, for his years of service and dedication to the growth of Islam in the region, gifting him UGX 10 million as a token of appreciation.
Several leaders delivered congratulatory messages during the ceremony. Barugahare, Mugasa, and Byakutaga pledged their support to the new Muslim leadership under Sheikh Mugenyi.
Sheikh Bukenya, speaking on behalf of the Mufti, called on the Muslim faithful in Bunyoro to uphold unity and peaceful coexistence, emphasizing that harmony is vital for community development.
In his address, Mr Muluubya shared updates on UMSC affairs and officially unveiled a new ceremonial tunic, which Sheikh Mugenyi wore. He explained that the tunic will become the official attire for District Khadis during public functions, making Sheikh Mugenyi the first to appear in it.