Former Islamic University in Uganda Arua Campus Director Sheikh Said Omar Dramani has officially been sworn in as the first Kadhi of the newly created Terego Muslim District, which was carved out of the larger Arua Muslim District.
The colourful ceremony was held at Hirai Islamic Primary School sports grounds in Terego District near what is believed to be the oldest mosque in Uganda, reportedly established during the Ottoman administration of the Equatorial Province in the 1830s.
Sheikh Dramani took the Oaths of Office before the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Electoral Commission led by Were Abubakar Wadangho and assisted by Counsel Hadad Salim, the West Nile Regional Commissioner. He was accompanied by close family members during the swearing-in ceremony.
In taking the oath, Sheikh Dramani pledged allegiance to the UMSC Constitution and vowed to execute his duties in accordance with the Holy Quran and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), remarks that attracted chants of “Allahu Akbar” from the congregation.
He later received the instruments of authority from Sheikh Imran Abdunoor Ssali, who represented the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, as chief guest.
In his inaugural address, Sheikh Dramani described Terego as a poverty-stricken district but said the challenges facing the community should instead be viewed as opportunities for transformation and development.
“Our plight is not a weakness, but rather a context for miracles, and our potential for collaboration is immense,” Sheikh Dramani said.
He pledged to transform mosques under his leadership into centres of Islamic knowledge, adult literacy, and basic numeracy while partnering with local government extension workers to promote modern farming practices among communities.
The new Kadhi also urged young people to avoid migrating to urban centres in search of survival and instead embrace agriculture and local economic opportunities.
“Our mangoes, cassava, potatoes, oranges, tomatoes, beans, and groundnuts can become our main source of wealth. So let us stay and get organised,” he advised.
Earlier, Sheikh Abu Jafar Shaban Karala explained the process that led to the elevation of Terego into a fully-fledged Muslim district.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Mahdie Muhamood Raihan called upon Muslims in Terego to support and cooperate with their new leader for the growth and development of Islam in the area.
Representatives from other religious and civic institutions also pledged support to the new Muslim leadership. Msgr. Joseph Awide, representing the Catholic Church, and Hajjat Hanifa Draru, the Deputy Speaker of Terego District Local Government, committed to maintaining peaceful cooperation and strong working relations with the Muslim community.
In a written message delivered by Sheikh Imran Ssali on behalf of the Mufti, Sheikh Mubaje emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and collaboration among Muslim leaders for the social and economic development of the community.
