Rakai Muslim District criticised for dismissing Kadhi
The Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration at Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), Muhammad Ali Aluma has advised members of the Rakai Muslim District Council that their recent decision to relieve Sheikh Sulaiman Luyinda from the position of Kadhi of Rakai Muslim District contradicted the UMSC Constitution.
He was accompanied by Were Abubaker Wandaghor, National Chairperson of the UMSC Electoral Commission.
This was revealed in a special council meeting held at the Rakai Muslim District Headquarters in Kyotera Town Council on Wednesday.
The meeting, initially convened by Rakai Muslim District Chairman Musa Adam Kiggundu, transitioned into a special session chaired by Sheikh Juma Mawejje Kabanda, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of West Buganda.
Other attendees included Honorable Prof. Dr. Edris Serugo Kasenene, Honorable Kasagga Baker, the Rakai District representatives to the UMSC General Assembly, and Lusiba Yusuf Gaina, the West Buganda Regional Secretary.
The meeting began with a review of the minutes from their previous session held on April 4, 2024, during which several resolutions were passed, including the dismissal of Sheikh Luyinda as the Kadhi and the rejection of the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje's appointment of Sheikh Anwar Kaweesi as Deputy Kadhi due to lack of consultation.
Surprisingly, although the recorded minutes indicated that the meeting was called to discuss the budget, it appeared to have been diverted into an impeachment process, culminating in the dismissal of Sheikh Luyinda in absentia on grounds of alleged embezzlement of four million Ugandan shillings.
Sheikh Luyinda was subsequently replaced by Sheikh Ssejingo as the caretaker of Kadhi, a decision widely circulated in the media.
Additionally, the resolutions included plans to communicate these changes in writing to the Mufti's office, a step that was not executed, and Sheikh Luyinda was only informed verbally, with instructions not to return to the office.
Tensions escalated, leading to a confrontation among the faithful, which was quelled by the intervention of security agencies.
During the deliberations, characterized by a peaceful atmosphere in the absence of security personnel, members suggested allowing Sheikh Luyinda and Sheikh Anwar to perform prayers but not serve as leaders
. They requested Sheikh Luyinda to defend himself against accusations of embezzlement and explain his actions regarding the appointment of Sheikh Anwar Kaweesi without their consent.
In his defence, Sheikh Luyinda, who appeared advanced in age, acknowledged receiving the funds but provided verbal, unsupported accountability. He failed to clarify the operational aspects of his official duties, amidst competing interests driven by personal gain.
"We, Muslims in Rakai Muslim District, remain loyal to the UMSC under the leadership of the Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje," stated Kasagga.
At this juncture, Honorable Were Abubaker Wandaghor, Chairman of the Electoral Commission, provided an overview of the process for removing the District Kadhi.
His presentation highlighted the council's failure to adhere to articles governing meeting procedures, impeachment processes, office bearer appointments, and reporting to UMSC Headquarters.
In summary, the meeting concluded with a resolution to submit a formal report to the National Management Committee to expedite the appointment of a substantive District Kadhi to replace Sheikh Sulaiman Luyinda, who has been in an acting capacity for the past four years.
