Namulanda– His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti of Uganda, has urged Muslim youth to live righteous lives and strengthen bonds of unity, noting that strong relationships among young people can foster mutual support and the sharing of development ideas that uplift individuals, families, and communities.
The advice was delivered during a memorial prayer ceremony for the late Edris Kanyoma, former Senior Cashier at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), who passed away a few days ago.
The prayers were held at the family residence in Namulanda, Buzzi Village, off the Kampala–Entebbe Airport Highway, and were organised by his immediate family, led by his two widows, including Hajjat Rehema Twalo Lugya, Head Teacher of Bubinga Senior Secondary School, and the senior wife, on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Sheikh Waiswa, who delivered the message on behalf of His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, supported his sermon with verses from the Holy Qur’an and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He reminded the congregation to remain God-conscious, noting that accountability lies in both faith and deeds. “If your intentions are purely earthly, then you will have it, but it will be very short-lived and will never last. It is wise to live with hope of attaining eternity, that blissful life after death,” he said.
He further reminded atendees that it is not the length of one’s life that matters, but the impact and legacy one leaves behind.
The Deputy Mufti praised the late Edris Kanyoma, who died in his mid-50s, describing him as humble, hardworking, trustworthy, and loving. He said testimonies from family and friends portrayed him as a kind-hearted person.
“Such virtues are very rare among young people in this turbulent generation. I have seen sanity in the deceased household, and I implore you to emulate such virtuous deeds,” he added.
He also expressed gratitude to the Kanyoma family of Kigezi, describing them as prominent, staunch Muslims and highly educated, whom he has known for many years. He singled out Haj Abdu Juma Biramahiire, the family head, noting his close friendship with the Deputy Mufti’s late father, Sheikh Ali Bakari. He further highlighted close family ties between his family and that of Koire, from which the widow Hajjat Twalo originates.
Earlier, several key figures addressed the gathering, including Haj Abdu Juma Biramahiire, former UMSC Secretary General , who represented the deceased’s family from Kabale in Kigezi, southwestern Uganda; Sheikh Adinan Koire, who represented the family of Hajjat Rehema Twalo from Tororo; Dr. Benson Dratti, a neighbour; and Mr. Steven Nuwagaba, Managing Director of Hatari Security Services and a close confidant and childhood friend of the deceased, alongside the widows. They all paid tribute to the late Edris Kanyoma, describing him as a good person they would miss dearly.
The ceremony also featured several recitations of the Holy Qur’an and supplications led by a team of Muslim clerics headed by Sheikh Ismail Al-Badawi Sempuya, the Imam of Buzzi area mosque, praying for the eternal peace of the deceased’s soul.
Present were UMSC staff led by Hon. Yazidi Katureebe, the UMSC Secretary for Administration and Human Resource.
