Mukono– Mourners from various parts of the Country and all walks of life, on Saturday gathered at Kiwanga village in Mukono Local Government District to bid farewell to the late Sheikh Abdu-Kadri Mbogo, an elder, former Kadhi of Kampala and long-serving prolific preacher who was laid to rest at his ancestral home.
The burial ceremony was attended by religious leaders, government officials, politicians, Muslim scholars, business leaders and members of the community who gathered to honour Sheikh Mbogo’s 96 years of service and contribution to the Muslim community.
His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, represented His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, at the funeral.
Among the mourners were Sheikh Imran Ssali, the UMSC Secretary for Religious Affairs; Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda Busungu, the Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti; Sheikh Hussein Rajab Kakooza, the former Chief Kadhi and Director of Sharia; Prof. Twaha Kigongo Kawase, the 1st Katikiro of Buganda Kingdom; Hon. Betty Nambooze, the area Member of Parliament; Hon. Abdallah Kiwanuka Mulima Mayuni; Hon. Muhammad Nsereko; Hajjat Sarah Kanyike, Presidential Advisor for Kampala; Hajjat Farida Ndisaba Nabitaka, the Mukono Resident District Commissioner; Imam Idi Kasozi; Prof. Abbas Kiyimba; High Court Judges; institutional heads and members of the business community, among others.
Speaking at the burial, Sheikh Bukenya urged Muslims and other mourners to reflect on the Islamic teachings about life and death, reminding them to live according to Allah’s will.
”The newly born child first made to listen to Azan. You imagine, the call will be completed with a funeral prayer that will be performed on someone upon departing the earthly. So therefore, remember that death is inevitable. Always remember to do Allah’s will and live righteous lives in order to attain eternal happiness in paradise,” Sheikh Bukenya preached. He also praised the late Sheikh Mbogo for living an illustrious life that should be emulated by others.
Earlier, several dignitaries addressed the gathering and shared their memories of the deceased, describing him as humble, principled, loyal and passionate about education.
The speakers included Prof. Twaha Kigongo Kawase, Sheikh Sulaiman Kakeeto, the Amir Daula; Imam Idi Kasozi, Muslim social worker; Sheikh Jafari Kawesi; Hon. Betty Nambooze; Hon. Muhammad Nsereko; Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Kisule, Presidential Advisor for Middle East Affairs; Hajjat Farida Ndisaba; Sheikh Abbas Ssenkuba, the Kadhi of Mukono; and Mr. George Kagiimu, who represented the Democratic Party.
They highlighted Sheikh Mbogo’s role in promoting education, including his contribution to the establishment of Kiwanga UMEA Primary School on land he personally donated to the community.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Sheikh Jowadi Mbogo, one of the deceased’s children, described his father as a loving parent who served his family, the Muslim community and the Democratic Party with dedication.
Sheikh Abdu-Kadri Mbogo died at the age of 96 years, leaving behind widows, children and grandchildren.
