The Teso District Council of Sheikhs has successfully carried out a nomination exercise, unanimously selecting 47-year-old Sheikh Ramadhan Ibrahim Ibwakiti as the new District Kadhi. He replaces Sheikh Asuman Muhammad Ocen, who has been serving in an acting capacity for nine years.
The well-attended session, presided over by Hon. Abubaker Were Wandagho, the UMSC National Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission, was held at Soroti Muslim School within the District Main Mosque in Soroti City on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
In attendance were Sheikh Imran Ssali, UMSC Secretary for Religious Affairs; Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, North Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti-RAM; Hon. Haj Isaac Omoding; Hon. Hassan Otai, direct members of the General Assembly; Sheikh Abdu Mutwalib Musa Waiswa, Mufti’s special nominee to the Assembly; Mr. Miro Fakir, Teso Muslim District Chairperson; and other key Muslim leaders.
The session began with a sensitization of participants on Articles 19–22 of the amended UMSC Constitution 2022, which provide guidance for the selection of candidates for the position of Kadhi.
After deliberations, the council agreed to forward a single candidate, Sheikh Ibwakiti, to the Mufti, who will appoint him in consultation with the Majlis Al Ulama – Council of Eminent Sheikhs – as the new Kadhi of Teso. Sheikh Ibwakiti, known for his soft-spoken and respected demeanor, has served as a member of Majlis Al Ulama representing the North Eastern region and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).
Following this, the District Joint Committee, chaired by Mr. Miro Fakir, convened and, after thorough deliberations, officially endorsed the selection.
The event concluded with speeches from key figures, including Sheikh Imran Ssali, who urged Muslim faithful to first examine their own contributions to the advancement of Islam before questioning what the government, UMSC, or area Muslim leaders have done. He also thanked the outgoing Kadhi for his services.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Obilan, the District Representative, called on all Muslims in Teso to rally behind the new leader.
Outgoing Kadhi Sheikh Ocen expressed gratitude to the Mufti for the opportunity to serve the community and pledged his continued support in other assigned duties. Sheikh Ibwakiti thanked members for their trust and promised close cooperation in executing his responsibilities.
