By Mariam Nanyanzi Kyagulanyi
Muslims in Kumi Muslim District have welcomed the appointment of Sheikh Rashid Omujaju as their new District Kadhi, following his swearing-in ceremony held on Monday. Sheikh Omujaju replaces Sheikh Abdu-Wahab Kauta, who recently relinquished the position after serving his tenure and is now poised for another appointment at the national level.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Sheikh Imran Abdnoor Ssali, the UMSC Secretary for Religious Affairs, who represented His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan MubajJe, the Mufti of Uganda. Sheikh Ssali was warmly received upon arrival by Muslim leaders, including Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of the North Eastern Muslim Region, and Hon. Karim Osuje, a UMSC National Executive Member and area representative to the General Assembly, among others.
The ceremony was also attended by several local government leaders, including Ms. Hellen Omodoy, who represented the Resident District Commissioner; Mr. Ahmad Ismail Pinto; Mr. Omuget Joseph, who represented Mr. Opolot Stephen, the LC5 Chairperson; Mr. John Bosco Emeyat, Mayor of Kumi Municipal Council; and former Mayor Mr. Richard Ochomo, among others.
The event began with welcoming remarks from Mr. Rashid Opolot, Chairperson of Kumi Muslim District, who highlighted the state of affairs of the Muslim community and outlined several pressing challenges. These included the alleged grabbing of Muslim-owned land, poverty, inadequate schools and the need for more vehicles and motorcycles to ease the transportation of clerics as they carry out their duties.
At exactly 1:30pm, Sheikh Rashid Omujaju took the two oaths of office, which were administered by the UMSC Independent Electoral Commission team led by Hon. Abubaker Were Wandaghor, the National Chairperson. After taking the oaths, Sheikh Omujaju received the instruments of authority from Sheikh Ssali, including the Holy Quran, the UMSC Constitution, the official Kadhi’s tunic and his appointment letter.
The outgoing Kadhi, Sheikh Kauta, also handed over the official vehicle and confidential files to his successor. In his maiden speech, Sheikh Omujaju pledged to be a good listener and to welcome constructive ideas from members of the community. He said he would strive to promote transparency and compassion while prioritising education and development programmes, particularly those targeting women and youth.
Sheikh Kauta, in his farewell remarks, said he was leaving office in good faith and urged his successor to always consult widely and implement decisions collectively taken by the relevant constitutional organs of the UMSC. Government officials who attended the ceremony pledged to work closely with the new Muslim leadership. Karim Osuje, Hajjat Aisha Neumbe, who spoke on behalf of Muslim women, and Sheikh Obilan, in their respective remarks, highlighted the development potential of Kumi Muslim District.
They pointed to untapped resources, including idle land, which they said could contribute to development if the Muslim community overcame past differences and misunderstandings.
The ceremony was crowned by Sheikh Ssali, who delivered Mufti’s three-page written speech. He thanked the outgoing Kadhi, Sheikh Kauta, for the services he rendered during his tenure, which ended with a peaceful, respectful and smooth handover. “This act alone reflects maturity, wisdom, love for unity within the Muslim community,” Sheikh Ssali said.
Turning to the new Kadhi, Sheikh Ssali urged Sheikh Omujaju not to regard his appointment as a source of pride but as a trust and responsibility. He advised him to remain God-conscious, sincere, just and humble while serving the Muslim community.
Sheikh Ssali also advised members of the Kumi Muslim District Council not to focus solely on criticising their leader but instead to initiate development ideas that could deliver lasting benefits to future generations.
He further encouraged the district leadership to consider rewarding retiring leaders with farewell packages, saying this would promote a culture of gratitude and dignity within the Muslim leadership structure.
Sheikh Ssali concluded by urging the new Kumi Muslim District leadership to cooperate with people of other faiths in promoting peace and development in the district.