The newly installed Kumi District Kadhi, Sheikh Rashid Omujaju, has pledged to unite the Muslim community in the greater Kumi area and help heal divisions that have affected its leadership for years. Sheikh Omujaju made the commitment during his installation ceremony, where he officially took over leadership of the Muslim community covering Kumi, Bukedea and Ngora districts.
He said he did not expect to become a District Kadhi, describing his appointment as the will of Allah and a responsibility he must approach with humility. “I never thought of becoming District Kadhi, but it is the plan of Allah. He is the owner of leadership, and He gives it to whoever He wishes. Today He has decided that I become the District Kadhi of Kumi,” Sheikh Omujaju said.
He said he was taking on the responsibility at a difficult time and would strive to serve everyone regardless of their social or religious standing. “I do not take this trust lightly. I want to ask Allah to guide me because today has become the hardest day of my life. I am taking responsibility for many people,” he said.
Sheikh Omujaju said his leadership would focus on bringing together Muslims who have been divided by disagreements and ensuring that vulnerable members of the community are not left behind. He said his responsibility extends to the rich and poor, the oppressed, orphans and widows, as well as people from other faiths. “I need to bring everybody on board,” he said.
The new Kadhi called for teamwork and reconciliation, saying the Muslim community must put past disagreements behind it and concentrate on rebuilding. “Let us bury the past. It is now time to look ahead. I have a vision to address our challenges one by one, including land wrangles. Where necessary, we shall follow legal procedures, but our priority is mediation and sensitisation,” Omujaju said.
He also appealed to the government to support Muslim leadership as the community works to address its challenges. The outgoing District Kadhi, Sheikh Abdul Wahab, congratulated his successor and urged Muslims to support him rather than engage in conflicts with religious leaders.
“We want to congratulate Sheikh Omujaju and wish him well in office. Give him support, don’t put him in office and abandon him,” Sheikh Abdul Wahab said. He also advised the new Kadhi to remain firm and use the established executive structures, particularly when dealing with financial matters.
The Regional Assistant to the Mufti for the Teso-Karamoja Region, Sheikh Obilan Abubakar Umar, described the handover as the peaceful conclusion of years of disagreements within the Kumi Muslim community.“I am delighted that we have had a very smooth and peaceful transition. Kumi has for about ten years been going through disagreements,” Sheikh Obilan said. He said he had engaged the different parties and consulted the Mufti before the outgoing Kadhi agreed to leave Kumi for a national assignment.
Representing the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Salli Imran commended the outgoing Kadhi for facilitating a peaceful handover and urged the new leader to approach his responsibilities with justice and humility. He reminded Sheikh Omujaju that leadership in Islam is a trust and encouraged him to work with all Muslims, including those who may have held different views about his appointment.
“To our newly appointed District Kadhi, Sheikh Rashid Omujaju, leadership in Islam is a trust that will be questioned on the Day of Judgment. You are Kadhi for all Muslims in the district, including those who held different opinions,” Sheikh Salli said. “Your role is to unite hearts and strengthen brotherhood,” he added.
Sheikh Omujaju takes over at a time when sections of the Kumi Muslim community have expressed concern about divisions and disagreements within its leadership. His immediate challenge will be to turn the message of reconciliation into practical efforts to rebuild trust and bring the wider Muslim community together-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
