By KT Reporter
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, is expected to visit the West Nile region to officially inaugurate the newly created Muslim districts and their interim leaderships before they formally begin operations.
Officials of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) in West Nile say preparations are underway to receive the Mufti and guide the nomination of interim leaders who will oversee the initial operations of the new administrative units.
In October this year, a Joint Session of the UMSC held at its headquarters approved the creation of 17 new Muslim districts nationwide, aimed at strengthening administration and improving service delivery within the Muslim community.
The newly created Muslim districts in West Nile include: Obongi Muslim District, carved out of Moyo, Terego and Madi-Okollo Muslim Districts, carved out of Aru and Zombo Muslim District, carved out of Nebbi. These districts were created largely due to their high Muslim population.
Others include Midigo and Dacha Muslim Districts, carved out of Yumbe, and Maracha Muslim District, carved out of Arua. These will begin operating after further stakeholder consultations.
The West Nile Regional Secretary of UMSC, Habib Aluma, confirmed that the Mufti will officially inaugurate the districts and their interim leadership structures.
Aluma explained that resolutions passed by the Joint Council provide that the new districts will operate in phases, beginning with a one-year probationary period. During this time, their performance will be evaluated, and districts that fail to meet the required standards risk losing their status as Muslim districts.
He added that UMSC has already started guiding the new districts on operational procedures, including the formation of executive committees to ensure effective administration and compliance with council standards.
Muslims in the region have welcomed the move, saying it will bring services closer to the people. They note that accessing UMSC services has been challenging due to the vast coverage of some existing districts.Arua Muslim District, for example, has been serving believers from Arua City, Arua District, Madi-Okollo, Terego, and Maracha, making administration difficult.
Abdulrahim Abdalla Karaka, a Muslim resident in the region, said the new districts will significantly ease access to services.
Other newly created Muslim districts across the country include Bombo Muslim District, which will be operationalised after stakeholder consultations.
Meanwhile, Agago/Pader Kidepo, Serere, Butebo, and Kikuube Muslim Districts are awaiting stakeholder engagements before becoming operational.UMSC officials say the restructuring is intended to strengthen grassroots leadership, improve coordination, and enhance service delivery to Muslims across Uganda.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
