Zombo, Uganda: Hundreds of Muslim faithful on Thursday gathered at Salama Mosque in Mvugu Lower, Paidha Town Council, to commemorate the life and legacy of the late Sheikh AbdulHamid Kaggwa Abdu Rijji, with religious leaders urging the community to emulate his commitment to peace, education and service.
The memorial (Duwa) prayers brought together Muslim leaders, family members, friends and believers from across the West Nile sub-region to honour the late cleric, who was remembered as a champion of conflict resolution and community development.
Speaking during the prayers, Zombo District Khadi Sheikh Abdul Aziz Kassim Amin described the late Sheikh AbdulHamid as an outstanding advocate for peaceful coexistence and reconciliation within the Muslim community.
He encouraged mourners to embrace dialogue and alternative dispute resolution instead of resorting to violence or taking the law into their own hands.
“Let us emulate the peaceful character of Sheikh AbdulHamid by embracing dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution to strengthen unity within our communities,” Sheikh Abdul Aziz said.
The District Khadi also praised the late cleric’s contribution to education, noting that he worked tirelessly to provide learning opportunities for children despite numerous challenges.
He said Sheikh AbdulHamid supported the establishment of boarding facilities that enabled children from neighbouring areas, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Parombo, to access education.
A delegation from Arua Muslim District led by Sheikh Abdul Jaffer used the occasion to announce plans to establish an Islamic institute in Arua City to provide adult Islamic education.
According to the delegation, the institute will operate from Friday to Sunday and will focus on strengthening Islamic knowledge, nurturing moral values (Akhlaq) and equipping learners with practical guidance for everyday life.
Sheikh Abdul Aziz welcomed the initiative, saying expanding access to Islamic education would help build stronger communities founded on faith, discipline and good character.
The late Sheikh AbdulHamid Kaggwa Abdu Rijji was remembered as one of the founding figures of the Zombo Muslim District. He also played a key role in establishing Mvugu Lower Primary School and Al-Qanaya Islamic School.
Beyond his religious leadership, he served as LCI Chairperson of Abongo Cell, a councillor in the former Paidha Town Council and an NRM registrar in Zombo District before his retirement.
Religious leaders described his legacy as one of selfless service, education and community leadership, urging the younger generation to preserve the values he championed.
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