The Chairperson of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Electoral Commission, Were Abubakar Wadangho, has dismissed allegations that he received bribes to eliminate some candidates during the selection process for the new Kadhi of Nebbi Muslim District.
Wadangho made the clarification shortly before the swearing-in ceremony of Sheikh Isa Akugizibwe at the Main Mosque in Nebbi Town. The position fell vacant following the resignation of Sheikh Abdu-Karim Ongei.
Addressing Muslims who gathered for the ceremony, Wadangho described the allegations being spread by some former Nebbi Muslim District leaders as “malicious rumours” aimed at discrediting the UMSC Electoral Commission.
“For members who participated in the exercise, you recall that we clearly explained how the process would be conducted according to the UMSC Constitution,” Wadangho said.
He explained that six names were initially proposed by the electorate during the nomination exercise conducted at the same mosque in mid-2025. However, only two candidates advanced to the next stage after meeting the basic requirements for scrutiny of qualifications and interviews.
“The electorate raised six possible names for consideration. Out of the six, only two candidates proceeded to the next stage involving scrutiny of the required qualifications and subsequent oral and written interviews,” he noted.
According to Wadangho, Sheikh Isa Akugizibwe emerged successful after presenting the required Islamic theological certificates and performing well in both the oral and written interviews.
He further revealed that the other candidate failed to complete the interview process and later began mobilising a section of Muslims against the UMSC administration.
Wadangho urged Muslims in Nebbi to reject divisive tendencies and instead focus on unity and development within the Muslim community.
During the ceremony, Wadangho together with Counsel Hadad Salim led Sheikh Akugizibwe in taking the Oaths of Office, officially ushering him into leadership as the new Kadhi of Nebbi Muslim District.
Several Muslim leaders used the occasion to call for harmony and cooperation among believers. These included Sheikh Mubarak Ocaya and Sheikh Mahdie Mahmood Raihan, who both urged Muslims to work together for the progress of Nebbi Muslim District.
Meanwhile, Alex Onengiu donated a piece of land for the construction of a school intended to boost education among Muslims in the area.
In his maiden remarks delivered in the local Alur language, Sheikh Isa Akugizibwe pledged to prioritise unity, education, healthcare, and development projects during his tenure.
Sheikh Imran Ssali also reiterated the importance of unity and cooperation among Muslims, a message he said he had consistently delivered across the newly created Muslim districts in the West Nile region.
He also commended the outgoing Kadhi, Sheikh Abdu-Karim Ongei, for his service to the Muslim community.
The ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including visiting Sheikhs from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
