Old Kampala, Kibuli Muslim factions finally reconcile, agree to form one body

KAMPALA, UGANDA: Ugandan Muslim factions based in Kibuli, Nakasero, and Old Kampala Mosques have finally reconciled and agreed to put their differences aside and work together as one body.

The agreement comes after a delegation of Muslim leaders headed by the Supreme Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje met with President Museveni on Tuesday and briefed him about the move by the factions to work together as one after years of disparity and contradicting leadership.

Others among the leaders who visited the President included Sheikh Obeid Kamulegeya, Sheikh Muhammed Yunusu Kamoga, Sheikh Muhamood Kibaate, Sheikh Kasule Ndilangwa, and Sheikh Hamid Umar Kateregga, Hajji Ramathan Mugalu, Hajji Faruk Kamulegeya, and Masaba Muhamood.

The President confirmed the development in a short video on Twitter saying; “These Sheikhs have reached an agreement on what we have been trying to do all these years; Unifying Islam leadership. Now all groups are one as you can see here.”

For us in the NRM, we have been preaching unity because it is a religion on its own. Unity is Strength. We are looking for good people, not religions. I, therefore commend the leaders of the Islamic community in Uganda for arriving at this decision. pic.twitter.com/023VEPZUha

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) April 12, 2022

Speaking after the meeting at State House, Sheikh Mubajje revealed that they signed a unity agreement between Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), the Kibuli group, and the Nakasero group to unite as one body putting an to the internal fights.

According to Sheikh Mubajje, the in-fights started when property at William Street belonging to the Muslim fraternity were sold to businessman Drake Lubega but President Museveni intervened and returned them back.

“First, the disunity was as a result of William Street property. It was in the courts and after, you agreed to pay off Lubega and the property is now helping us. Money from that building is now helping the regions to run some activities,” said Mufti Mubajje, adding that; “We have sat down on both sides to forge a way of uniting and talking to each other.”

Mubajje further revealed that they (Muslims) also plan to hold a Constitutional review and at the same time look forward to organizing for the upcoming general assembly that will lead to elections of new leaders.

“I want, once again, to thank you for appointing our people in key government positions in the recent deployments and appointments. I want to assure you that this time Moslems are happy and contented,” he said.

The delegation revealed to the President that a trustee committee is going to be instituted with an aim of looking after the Moslem properties as per his advice and counsel.