The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has welcomed back Sheikh Habib Ausi Kakooza and five other defectors who had previously aligned themselves with the Kibuli Muslim faction.
The reconciliation took place at Old Kampala Mosque.
Sheikh Kakooza, who formerly served as the self-proclaimed supreme kadhi of Kiruhura Muslim District, publicly expressed regret for his defection and pledged allegiance to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
Accompanied by his group, he acknowledged their mistakes and vowed to work under UMSC’s leadership.
Mubaje emphasized the importance of solidarity among Muslims, underscoring the symbolic and historical significance of Old Kampala Hill, which was a gift from former President Idi Amin to the Muslim community.
He called on the defectors to focus on the development of their district and the Muslim community at large, urging them to set aside personal ambitions for the collective progress of Islam.
“Unity is the cornerstone of our strength as Muslims. The gift of Old Kampala Hill serves as a reminder of our shared identity and responsibility,”Mubaje said.
Sheikh Abdu-Karim Abdullah Katamba, the Ankole-Kigezi Regional Assistant to the Mufti, praised the group for their return and attributed their initial defection to misleading promises of leadership within the Kibuli faction.
Katamba reaffirmed the UMSC’s position as the legitimate governing body for Muslims in Uganda and urged the defectors to remain steadfast in their renewed commitment.
Echoing similar sentiments, Sheikh Ismael Tefe, the current Kiruhura District Kadhi, welcomed Sheikh Kakooza and his team, pledging to work together to strengthen the Muslim community in the district.
I Sheikh Kakooza apologized for his actions and assured the UMSC leadership of his dedication to unity and reconciliation.
“I regret my past decisions and seek to collaborate with the leadership to resolve any remaining challenges,” he stated.
The reconciliation is viewed as a milestone in fostering harmony within the Muslim community, highlighting the power of forgiveness and the collective responsibility to advance Islam in Uganda.