NEBBI. Were Abubakar Wadangho, the Chairperson of the UMSC Electoral Commission, has dismissed what he described as malicious rumours circulated by some former Nebbi Muslim District leaders alleging that he was bribed to drop certain candidates during the nomination process for the position of Khadi following the resignation of Sheikh Abdu-Karim Ongei.
Hon. Wadangho made the clarification shortly before the swearing-in ceremony of Sheikh Isa Akugizibwe as the new Khadi of Nebbi Muslim District. Addressing the congregation at the Main Mosque in Nebbi Town on Friday evening, Hon. Wadangho explained the events surrounding the nomination exercise that was conducted at the same mosque in mid-2025.
“For members who participated in the exercise, you recall that we clearly explained how the process would be conducted according to the UMSC Constitution,” he stated.
“The electorate raised six possible names for consideration. Out of the six, only two candidates proceeded to the next stage involving scrutiny of the required qualifications and subsequent oral and written interviews.”
He explained that Sheikh Isa Akugizibwe was the only candidate who successfully submitted the required Islamic theological certificates and excelled in both the oral and written interviews. Hon. Wadangho further noted that the other contender did not complete the required interview process and later began mobilising a section of followers against UMSC administration.
He therefore urged Muslims in Nebbi to remain united and avoid actions that create divisions within the Muslim community.
Thereafter, Wadangho and Counsel Hadad Salim led Sheikh Isa Akugizibwe in taking the Oaths of Office, officially ushering him into his duties as the new Khadi of Nebbi Muslim District.
Sheikh Akugizibwe also received instruments of authority from Sheikh Imran Abdunoor Ssali, the UMSC Secretary for Religious Affairs, who represented His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda, as the chief guest. The instruments included the appointment letter, the UMSC Constitution, the Holy Quran, and the official robes of the Khadi.
Several dignitaries addressed the gathering, including Sheikh Mubarak Ocaya, a member of Majlis Al-Ulama representing West Nile, and Sheikh Mahdie Mahmood Raihan, the West Nile Regional Assistant to the Mufti. Both leaders implored Muslims to strengthen unity and work for the betterment of Nebbi Muslim District.
Meanwhile, Mr. Alex Onengiu, the Mayor of Nebbi Town, donated a piece of land intended for the construction of a school aimed at promoting education within the Muslim community. In his remarks, Sheikh Isa Akugizibwe, speaking in the local Alul language, outlined unity, education, health, and development projects as the key priorities of his administration.
Sheikh Imran Ssali reiterated the message of unity and cooperation that he had delivered in other newly created Muslim districts across West Nile. He also thanked the outgoing Khadi , Sheikh Abdu-Karim Ongei, for the services he rendered to the Muslim community during his tenure.
The event was also attended by visiting Sheikhs from the Democratic Republic of Congo.