The newly appointed leadership of Juma & Zukuuli Muslim Group, led by the President General Sheikh Mahadi Abdunoor Kabuye Kawooya, held its first official event over the weekend
The well-attended annual ceremony, held at the group’s headquarters in Kawempe, marked the beginning of preparations for the Holy Month of Ramadhan.
This event followed a leadership dispute between the new team and the outgoing management, led by former President General Sheikh Muhammad Abdunoor Lunanoba Kawooya, elder brother to the incumbent. Sheikh Mahadi assumed office after a court ruling against Sheikh Lunanoba, who had refused to step down despite accusations of mismanagement, financial misconduct, and failure to convene annual meetings over his 23-year tenure.
Juma & Zukuuli Muslim Group is one of four traditional factions that were unified under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) by former President Idi Amin in 1972. However, Sheikh Lunanoba’s supporters, backed by security figures, attempted to sabotage the event by spreading misleading radio announcements claiming the function would be held on Friday instead of Saturday.
Presidential Advisor on Middle East Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Ahmad Kisule, emphasized spiritual preparation for Ramadhan. He cited three categories of human souls in the Qur’an—those inclined toward sin, those that repent, and the righteous—and urged believers to strive for spiritual purity.
A delegation from Butaleja, led by elder Haj Alimansi Hasiyo and Sheikh Hamza Koire from the Saudi Arabian Embassy, also addressed the gathering. MP aspirant Mutanzidwa Muhmood greeted the congregation.
His Eminence, Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, Mufti of Uganda, was represented by UMSC Secretary for Dawah, Sheikh Muhammad Murshid Luwemba, who conveyed the Mufti’s goodwill message, urging unity and brotherhood. UMSC Secretary for Women & Children Affairs, Sheikhat Raddiyyah Namakula, highlighted Qur’anic verses encouraging fasting for divine rewards.
Counsel Abdu Aziz Lukwago Muguluma shared the group’s history since its 1957 registration. Secretary General Ssengendo Hassan Hussein Kakooza presented a report detailing the new committee’s formation under a High Court directive on September 7, 2024. He outlined achievements and upcoming plans, including training Muslim clerics in line with government and UMSC guidelines.
President General Sheikh Mahadi Abdunoor Kabuye Kawooya concluded by thanking Sheikh Hussein Rajab Kakooza, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, for safeguarding the association’s legacy. He also acknowledged the outgoing team’s contributions and pledged to uphold the vision of their predecessors.
Among those present were Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda Busungu, Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti, Haj Muhmood Kateregga Namuguzi Sebuganda of UMSC District Kadhis from Greater Mpigi, Entebbe Sheikh Musa Ssebumba a member to Shurah committee among other prominent Sheikhs and imams.