The Bunyoro District Kadhi, Sheikh Rajab Mugenyi, has urged Muslims to prioritize family growth and community development over internal divisions.
Mugenyi made the remarks during Eid al-Fitr prayers held at Hoima Booma Grounds, where thousands of believers gathered to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
While delivering his sermon, Sheikh Mugenyi emphasized the importance of unity, noting that divisions within the Muslim community have previously slowed development.
“We are getting better. The divisions at Hoima Town Mosque were resolved, and we are becoming more united. This should be everyone’s message—peace and development. Once we are united, we can plan and achieve great things,” he said.
Mugenyi highlighted that many key Muslim institutions in Bunyoro—such as Bwikya Muslim Secondary School, Bwikya Islamic Secondary School, and Hoima Town Mosque—were established in the 1990s and continue to serve the community today.
He challenged the current generation to invest in similar long-lasting infrastructure for future generations.
Embrace Government Programs
The Kadhi also encouraged Muslims to take advantage of government wealth-creation initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
“We have many government programs aimed at improving livelihoods. Embrace them in your villages. When your incomes improve, your lives will get better and you will support the development of Islam,” he urged.
Mugenyi stressed the importance of education, particularly in light of emerging opportunities in the region’s oil and gas sector.
“We have oil and gas developments coming, but who will take up these jobs? Educate your children so they can benefit from these opportunities,” he said.
He also advised businesspeople to prepare for increased demand as the region develops.
Health and Responsible Living
The Kadhi cautioned Muslims against reckless lifestyles and urged them to prioritize their health through regular medical check-ups.
“Diseases like pressure, diabetes, and HIV are real. Go for check-ups and guide your children to live responsibly,” he advised.
Hoima City East Member of Parliament, Dr Patrick Isingoma, called on Muslims to maintain the discipline exhibited during Ramadan.
“There has been a lot of sanity during fasting. We hope it continues even after Ramadan. This should be a time for reflection,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hoima Resident City Commissioner, Badru Mugabi, urged residents to shift focus from politics to development.
“The time for politics is over. Now it is time to focus on work and development. Government programs like Emyooga and PDM are progressing well—position yourselves to benefit,” he said.
As Eid celebrations continued, the overarching message remained one of unity, discipline, and collective responsibility in advancing both community welfare and individual livelihoods.
