Sheikh Imran Abdunoor Ssali, the UMSC Secretary for Religious Affairs, has concluded his five-day official working visit to the West Nile Muslim Region, during which he represented His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, in officiating at the installation ceremonies of Kadhis for five newly created Muslim districts.
The tour climaxed with a colourful event held on Friday evening, May 15, 2026, at the Main Mosque in Nebbi Town Council along the Arua–Gulu Highway.
Earlier in the day, Sheikh Ssali presided over the installation of Sheikh Abdu-Azizz Kassimu Amin as the first Kadhi of the newly created Zombo Muslim District, near the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo border.
Zombo Muslim District was curved from Nebbi Muslim District, which for decades had remained geographically distant, making it difficult for many Muslims in the area to effectively access religious leadership, developmental programmes, and services.
The well-attended function attracted several dignitaries, including Prince Upar Angala Jalsonge, the Prime Minister of Alur Chiefdom, who represented King Ularker Raune Philip III; Maj. Gen. Dick Olum of the UPDF; Sheikh Mahdie Mahmood Raihan, the West Nile Regional Assistant to the Mufti; Sheikh Abu Jafar Shaban Karala, the Kadhi of Arua Muslim District; and Rev. Mademoga William, Parish Priest of Warr-Alia Parish, who represented the Christian fraternity, among others.
At noon, Sheikh Abdu-Azizz Kassimu Amin, flanked by his wife, children, and close family members, took the Oath of Office administered by Hon. Were Abubakar Wadangho, the National Chairperson of the UMSC Electoral Commission, assisted by Counsel Hadad Salim, the Regional Commissioner. Thereafter Sheikh Abdu- Azizz received the instruments of authority that included; the Holy Qu’ran, UMSC Constitution, Policy documents and was helped to don the official Green robes of the Kadhi.
Several leaders later delivered speeches at the function. Sheikh Abu Jafar Shaban Karala praised Sheikh Abdu-Azizz as a focused and hardworking leader during the period he served as Deputy Kadhi in Arua Muslim District.
Sheikh Mahdie Mahmood Raihan urged Muslims in Zombo to put aside past misunderstandings that existed during the time they were still under Nebbi Muslim District and instead focus on building and developing their new district.
Both Sheikh Mahdie and Sheikh Karala paid glowing tribute to Maj. Gen. Dick Olum, describing him as a key pillar in the establishment of Zombo Muslim District. They noted that despite being a Christian, he single-handedly facilitated many of the processes leading to the successful creation of the district and the installation ceremony.
Maj. Gen. Dick Olum and Rev. Mademoga William both pledged to work closely with the new Muslim leadership for the development of the area. Meanwhile, Prince Upar Angala Jalsonge captivated the congregation with inspiring remarks reflecting on the golden era when Islam flourished in Warr in Zombo during his childhood in the early 1950s.
“It was a great centre of Islamic learning and trade in the entire West Nile region before those activities later shifted to Arua,” he noted.
He recalled that people of all faiths used to attend massive Maulid celebrations graced by prominent Sheikhs from Uganda and beyond, which attracted many converts to Islam.
“It is unfortunate that Muslims of this era are becoming unmindful about spreading Islam and instead resort to sowing discord and causing disunity among believers,” he observed. He urged the new Muslim leadership in Zombo to prioritise unity and education and pledged scholarships for learners pursuing secular courses.
The congregation burst into laughter when the Prince jokingly directed a senior police officer present to arrest self-styled Muslim leaders carrying fake titles that cause confusion within the Muslim community.
In his remarks, Sheikh Abdu-Azizz Kassimu Amin pledged to work closely with all Muslims and development partners to ensure the growth and progress of Zombo Muslim District.
The event was crowned by the Mufti’s written speech, delivered on his behalf by Sheikh Imran Ssali, in which the Mufti implored Muslims in Zombo to strengthen unity and draw up meaningful developmental programmes.
