Edris Sserugo Kasenene has traced the historical origins of Kawempe Muslim Senior Secondary School, highlighting the role of the Muslim community, government support, and religious institutions in the establishment of the school.
Speaking during a gathering at the Juma-Zukulu Muslim Group headquarters on Kyadondo Hill ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Dr. Kasenene explained that the school was founded in 1984 following the outstanding academic performance of Kawempe Muslim Primary School.
He noted that the second government of Milton Obote supported the Muslim community’s efforts by facilitating the establishment of a secondary school. The land for the institution, originally part of the Juma-Zukulu faction’s mosque property, was secured with approval from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
According to Dr. Kasenene, he worked alongside the late Haj Muhamood Kateregga Namuguzi, then Chairperson of the primary school’s Parent-Teacher Association and a former UMSC Executive member, to engage mosque trustees on the project. The trustees later advised them to seek guidance from UMSC, which had constructed a building with support from Saudi Arabia intended for a conversion centre and health facility. Following approval from UMSC, an agreement was reached to establish the secondary school.
Dr. Kasenene emphasized that the institution has since grown into one of Uganda’s leading Muslim-based, government-aided schools, producing top-performing students who have advanced to universities and taken up professional roles in various sectors.
He also clarified what he described as historical misrepresentation regarding the school’s ownership, urging the administration to ensure representation from both UMSC and the Juma-Zukulu group on the School Board of Governors. He noted that the clarification dispels claims suggesting that the school belongs to Uganda Muslim Education Association Ltd (UMEA Ltd), a private entity established in 1995 by Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu of Kibuli.
Earlier at the event, Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Walusimbi, Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Kisule, and Sheikh Kasujja reflected on teachings from the Holy Qur’an, calling on believers to reconcile, intensify devotion, and perform good deeds during Ramadan.
The gathering concluded with remarks from Sheikh Mahdi Abdunoor Kabuye Kawoya, President General of the Juma-Zukulu Muslim Group, and the chief guest, Sheikh Hashim Hassan Kamugunda, a Tanzanian cleric and advisor to the Grand Mufti of Tanzania, who urged Muslims to remain God-conscious.
Among the notable attendees were Hon. Haj Muhamood Kateregga Junior, a UMSC Executive Member; Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda, Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti; district Kadhis; and other prominent Muslim leaders.
