It was all pomp and excitement as Sheikh Erias Kigozi officially took over as the substantive Kadhi of Wakiso Muslim District on Saturday July 22, 2023.
The ceremony was conducted by a team from the UMSC Independent Electoral Commission- EC led by Hon. Were Abubakar Wandagho, the Chairperson. Hon. The Prime Mininster Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabanja represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the Chief Guest at the installation ceremony at Wakiso Muslim District headquarter in Kaliiti in Mende Sub-county.
The function drew a mammoth crowd comprising several government Ministers including Hon. Hajjat Lukia Nakadama Isanga, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the Minister incharge of Greater Kampala Metropolitan, Hon. Oleru Huda, the State Minister of Defense incharge of Veteran Affairs, Hon. Persis Namuganza, State Minister incharge of lands, Hon. Members of Parliament, Haj Abdu Nadduli, the former Minister Without Portfolio and the UMSC National Vice Chairperson and a host of RDCsResident District Commissioners-.
His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda led a powerful delegation to the event comprising the second Deputy Mufti Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, Hon. Prof.Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, the UMSC National Chairperson, Hon. Muhammad Ali Aluma, the UMSC Secretary General, UMSC Executives, Members of General Assembly, Members of the Management, Chairperson of Muslim Women Council, Hon. Sophia Kenyangi, National Chairperson of Muslim Youths Council, Hon Habib Mustafa, Regional Assistants to the Mufti, Sheikh Abdu Obeid Kamulegeya, the head of Shura Committee, Sheikh Hussein Rajab Kakooza, the Former Chief Kadhi/ Director of Sharia, District Kadhis, prominent Sheikhs, Imams and people of all walks of life.
In his message read by the Prime Minister, Hon. Nabanja, President Yoweri Museveni congragulated Ugandan Muslims for successfully holding the UMSC National elections that ushered in new leaders.“We encourage you to work towards unity and common good and note that any leadership that embraces and unites people in disregard of their tribes, divergent views, and affiliations, is a blessing.” President penned.
Using the the same function, the President reiterated his recent comments when he met Muslim leaders at State House that his Govt through Parliament had passed the Islamic Banking law with the aim of facilitating social transformation programs in the Communities.
The President donated a brand new double cabin truck to Sheik Kigozi to facilitate his movements while executing his official duties in the district. The prime minister on other hand also donated Shillings 10 million to the Wakiso Muslim District SACCO and pledged to ensure that the newly built Abu Hamza Health Center 3, which she commissioned at her arrival gets the necessary medical equipment to start serving the community.
The Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje and Hon. Prof.Dr. Lubega, the National UMSC chairperson emphasized the developments at UMSC that are aimed at propelling, strengthening, and supporting unity and forging developmental programs in its structure.Sheikh Kigozi highlighted several achievements he has attained since assuming office that include, construction of the Wakiso Muslim District Office, Mosque, schools, fixing bore holes for provision of safe water to the Communities empowering Lower Muslim leaders economically, strengthening unity and collaboration with leaders of other denominations among others.
He however, hinted at financial constraints as one of the major hinderances to the implementation of their planned projects. Several people including a delegation from Kareng district in Karamoja showered Sheikh Kigozi with gifts in appreciation of support to their communities through his charity UMOJA HELPING HAND which he provide them in form of food, fixing bore holes and construction of schools.
The team handed him and other guests a traditional walking stuff, stool and a wrapper.
