The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has formally handed over leadership of the Kumi Muslim District to Sheikh Omujaju Rashid, who has been sworn in as the new District Khadi with a pledge to unite Muslims and work with local leaders to promote the development of the district.

The handover and swearing-in ceremony marked the conclusion of a period of leadership challenges in Kumi, with Muslim leaders commending stakeholders for facilitating a peaceful transition.

The transition followed the appointment of Sheikh Omujaju Rashid by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, Mufti of Uganda.

Sheikh Obilan Abubakar Umar, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of Teso and Karamoja, said he was delighted with the peaceful transfer of leadership after efforts to resolve challenges that had affected the Muslim community in Kumi.

“I am delighted today that we have had a very delightful transition of power,” Sheikh Obilan said.

He said Kumi District had been experiencing challenges, but the office of the Mufti engaged the district Muslim council and the then District Khadi, Sheikh Abdullah Bukawuta, to find a way forward.

“As a Mufti, I have been able to harmonise the situation. Eventually, we met the district council and the Khadi until he accepted to be assigned another responsibility at the high national level, which His Eminence consented to,” he said.

Sheikh Obilan thanked all stakeholders who worked with the UMSC to resolve the situation and ensure that the Muslim community reached the day of the official handover and swearing-in ceremony.

He said the peaceful transition demonstrated the importance of dialogue, cooperation and commitment to the Muslim community.

New Khadi pledges inclusive leadership

In his first address after taking office, Sheikh Omujaju Rashid attributed his appointment to the will of Allah, quoting Qur’an, Chapter 3, Verse 26, which speaks about Allah granting and taking away authority.

“Allah is the owner of leadership. He has decided that I become Khadi for Kumi. I request Him to guide me and lead the people of Kumi,” Sheikh Omujaju said.

He pledged to lead all Muslims without discrimination and make unity one of the central priorities of his tenure.

“From today, I am going to lead everybody without discrimination. Insha Allah, I will try to bring unity among the Muslims of Kumi. Let us work as a group and build Kumi District,” he said.

The new Khadi also called for cooperation between the Muslim leadership and local government, urging stakeholders to put past disagreements aside and address outstanding issues through established procedures.

“Let us bury the hatchet. Let us look for the loopholes. We shall address matter after matter with the right procedures,” he said.

He further appealed for support from local government and other stakeholders as he begins his tenure.

UMSC urges new Khadi to lead with justice

Sheikh Ssalim Imran, who represented His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje at the handover ceremony, described the occasion as an important moment for the Muslim community in Kumi.

Speaking on behalf of the UMSC and the office of the Mufti, Sheikh Imran extended appreciation to outgoing District Khadi Sheikh Abdullah Bukawuta for the service he rendered to the Muslim community during his tenure.

“Leadership is not easy. Stepping out to lead the community requires commitment. We thank him for a smooth handover process,” Sheikh Imran said.

He said the peaceful handover reflected maturity, wisdom and love for the Muslim community.

Sheikh Imran wished Sheikh Abdullah success in his future responsibilities and congratulated Sheikh Omujaju upon assuming the leadership of Kumi Muslim District.

He reminded the new Khadi that leadership is a trust and responsibility for which a leader will ultimately be held accountable before Allah.

He urged Sheikh Omujaju to lead with fear of Allah, sincerity, justice and humility.

“You are the Khadi for all Muslims of Kumi District, including those who may have had different opinions,” Sheikh Imran said.

He urged the new Khadi to focus on the development of the Muslim community and strive to leave behind positive and lasting achievements during his tenure.

Sheikh Imran further advised him to use the Qur’an and the UMSC Constitution as guiding instruments in carrying out his responsibilities.

He also called upon the Kumi District Muslim Council to work closely with the new Khadi, stressing that effective leadership requires teamwork.

The official handover marks a new chapter for Muslim leadership in Kumi, with Sheikh Omujaju expected to focus on reconciliation, unity, cooperation and the development of the Muslim community across the district.