Muslims in the Teso Muslim District, in the North Eastern Muslim Region, have expressed profound joy after witnessing what they described as a first-of-its-kind peaceful swearing-in ceremony of their newly appointed District Kadhi, Sheikh Ramadhan Ibrahim Ibwakiti.
The ceremony, which was punctuated by chants of “Allahu Akbar – Allah is the Greatest,” filled the main hall of Soroti Muslim School, adjacent to the District Main Mosque in Soroti City, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Sheikh Ibwakiti was unanimously nominated by the District Council of Sheikhs during a well-attended meeting and later approved by the Joint Committee, leading to his appointment as substantive Kadhi by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, a few weeks ago.
The colourful function was presided over by Sheikh Imran Ssali, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Secretary for Religious Affairs, on behalf of the Mufti. The event was attended by several Muslim leaders, led by Sheikh Abubakar Omar Obilan, the North Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti; Hon. Sheikh Abdu Mutwalib Waiswa, the Special Mufti Nominee to the UMSC General Assembly; and civil leaders, including Hon. Attan Okia Moses, MP-elect for Soroti East Division, Soroti City, and Mr. Abdulatif Wali, Mayor of the Central Eastern Division, Soroti City. A representative of the Inter-Religious Council was also present.
During the ceremony, the new Kadhi took both the Oaths of Allegiance and Secrecy, which were administered by Hon. Abubaker Were Wandagho, the National Chairperson of the UMSC Electoral Commission. This was followed by the official handover of office from the outgoing Kadhi, Sheikh Asuman Muhammad Ocen, who presented a detailed report covering equipment, furniture, property, land titles, bank accounts, tenants, stamps, a vehicle, and three motorcycles, among other assets.
The day was crowned with speeches from key personalities. Mr. Abdu Sirike, the LC I Chairperson, and Mr. Abdulatifu Wali urged Muslims to respect their leaders and adhere to internal mechanisms for resolving disputes. Hon. Okia implored the Muslim faithful, noting that they possess untapped potential for development, and pledged to work with the new leadership.
In his moving remarks, Sheikh Ocen said he was leaving office with a satisfied heart, noting that during his tenure he managed to secure several land titles for prime UMSC properties, among other achievements, despite challenges. “I have left the office with clean hands,* he said.
In his remarks, Sheikh Ibwakiti pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor and committed himself to close cooperation with all believers. Sheikh Obilan, who spoke at length, described the day as historic, noting that the district had acquired a suitable leader who had undertaken formal Islamic theological studies at university level, as stipulated in the UMSC Constitution.
Lastly, Sheikh Ssali read out the Mufti’s two-page speech, which emphasized unity, brotherhood, and the need for Muslims in Teso to intensify efforts toward development that will positively transform their communities.
