Senior Muslim elders have warned that conflicting claims over the ownership of Kawempe Muslim Senior Secondary School risk deepening divisions within Uganda’s Muslim community, urging transparency and shared governance to preserve unity.
Speaking at the Juma-Zukulu Muslim Group headquarters on Kyadondo Hill ahead of Ramadan, Hajj Edris Sserugo Kasenene outlined the school’s founding history and sought to correct what he described as persistent misconceptions.
Kasenene said the secondary school was established in 1984 after the government of Milton Obote supported the Muslim community in recognition of the strong academic performance of Kawempe Muslim Primary School.
“The government supported the establishment of a secondary school after the outstanding performance of Kawempe Muslim Primary School,” he said.
He explained that the land was part of mosque property under the Juma-Zukulu faction and was secured with approval from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
Kasenene said he and the late Hajj Muhamood Kateregga Namuguzi approached mosque trustees to start the school but were advised to consult UMSC, which had constructed a building with Saudi support intended for a conversion centre and health facility.
“With UMSC approval, the trustees entered an agreement to start the school,” he said.
He emphasized that the institution has since grown into one of Uganda’s leading Muslim-founded, government-aided schools, producing high-performing graduates now serving in professional fields.
Kasenene warned that the school’s history has at times been distorted and urged administrators to reflect its founding partnership.
“History has sometimes been misrepresented,” he said, calling for representation from both UMSC and Juma-Zukulu on the Board of Governors.
He said his clarification was intended to dispel what he described as a wrong impression suggesting the school belongs to UMEA Ltd, a private entity established in 1995 by Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu.
Religious leaders at the gathering also urged spiritual renewal ahead of Ramadan, calling on believers to reconcile, intensify devotion, and perform good deeds.
Chief guest Sheikh Hashim Hassan Kamugunda, a Tanzanian cleric and advisor to the Grand Mufti of Tanzania, reminded attendees to remain God-conscious.
The event drew senior Muslim leaders, district Kadhis, and Kampala regional clerics, highlighting renewed efforts to preserve institutional history while promoting unity within Uganda’s Muslim community.
