The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has called for unity of purpose among political and cultural leaders in the Bugisu sub-region, urging them to abandon divisions and intrigue that have for years undermined the region’s collective voice and development agenda.
The remarks were made during a vibrant and colourful thanksgiving ceremony for Umar Nangoli held at Nakaloke Playground, which attracted hundreds of supporters and a wide range of leaders, including political figures, religious leaders, cultural representatives, security officials, and local government leaders.
The event, marked by music, dance, and celebration, reflected Nangoli’s growing influence in the region.
Speaking as chief guest, the Mufti urged leaders in Bugisu to put aside personal differences and work together for the region’s development.
“God has given me this leadership. I thank Him for enabling the voters to choose me out of nine contenders,” Nangoli said during the event.
The Mufti, who hails from Bugisu, expressed concern over persistent divisions among leaders, saying internal wrangles have weakened collective lobbying efforts and slowed development in the region.
He called upon Members of Parliament, ministers, and local leaders to work together and speak with one voice on issues affecting the region.
He revealed that concerns over divisions in Bugisu were raised during a meeting between President Yoweri Museveni and religious leaders from the region.
“The President expressed concern about intrigue in Bugisu, with a syndrome of mudslinging,” Mubaje said.
His message was echoed by Mbale Diocese Bishop Dr. Joseph Nandah, who also appealed for reconciliation and cooperation among leaders.
“I appeal to MPs from Bugisu to be united and work as a team,” Bishop Nandah said.
Mubaje further expressed concern over ongoing disputes within the Bugisu cultural institution, noting that conflicts over the cultural throne had deepened divisions within the community.
He criticized the public exchange of accusations on social media and urged stakeholders to seek an amicable solution that restores unity and preserves the institution’s role as a symbol of cohesion among the Bamasaaba.
“We can sit and resolve this conflict internally; we should not allow it to divide us,” he said.
In an apparent reference to the Karamoja iron sheets scandal that implicated former ministers Agnes Nandutu and Goretti Kitutu, Mubaje cautioned newly appointed leaders from Bugisu against corruption.
He thanked President Yoweri Museveni for appointing ministers from the region but warned that public office should not become a source of shame for the community.
Political leaders who attended the function welcomed the call for unity.
The Chairperson of the Bugisu Parliamentary Caucus, Godfrey Wakoli Matembu, pledged to strengthen cohesion among legislators from the region, while newly appointed ministers Lydia Wanyoto and Simon Mulongo committed to working together.
“This time round, we shall walk the talk of unity,” Wakoli said.
Bugisu is represented by 28 Members of Parliament.
As the region grapples with political rivalries and cultural disputes, religious leaders continue to position themselves as voices of reconciliation, seeking to steer Bugisu toward a common agenda for unity and development.