Former Mufti, Sheikh Ahmed Mukasa, is dead

Sheikh Ahmed Mukasa, who led the Muslim community at a time of deep divisions and endless conflicts is dead.

Mukasa died early morning from a yet to be established illness.

Said to have been in his late 80s, Mukasa was an important pillar within the muslim fraternity in the country in the early 90s when Muslims were divided along ideological and political lines.

He served as Secretary for Religious Affairs, Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) under administration of Sheikh Hussein Rajab Kakooza. In that role, he was deputised by Sheikh Saad Ibrahim Luwemba according to 1986 Mecca Agreement. Luwemba, who would later become Mufti, died two decades ago.

In 1993, Mukasa was elected Interim Mufti by the UMSC General Assembly that sat in Mbarara in 1993, deputised by Sheikh Zubairi Kayongo, who passed on in 2015.

This interim administration was rejected by mainstream Luwemba faction and Kibuli faction and by the time Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje was elected in 2000, Mukasa was one of the first Muslim senior leaders to declare allegiance to the new Mufti.

He however, took a low profile when factionalism resumed again over sale of Muslim property. Those who know him say he was a polite person and a friendly.

In 1994, he was assaulted by a Luwemba fanatic for putting on a UMSC flag, and was admitted at Kibuli Muslim Hospital.

Yet the most captivating image captured of Sheikh Mukasa was when fought with Sheikh Luwemba to offer prayers during  Independence celebrations at Kololo on October 9th 1993.

The two tangled over a microphone, to the shock and amusement of the gathered dignitaries.

Mukasa has left behind a number of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Burial arrangements are being made and he is likely to be laid to rest at Mende - Busiro county Wakiso district.