Embrace Poverty Alleviation Programs, President Museveni Tells Muslims in Kisoro
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Muslims and other citizens of various faiths in Kisoro District to embrace government development programs, especially those designed to combat poverty in communities. This message was contained in a written speech delivered on behalf of the President by Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, who was the Guest of Honour at the colorful and well-attended installation ceremony of Sheikh Ali Mwesigye — the first appointed Kadhi of Kisoro Muslim District — held in Kisoro Municipality on Saturday, October 25, 2025. President Museveni congratulated Sheikh Ali Mwesigye upon his elevation as a servant of the Almighty Allah, appointed to lead and guide the Muslim faithful spiritually and in other spheres of life that help stabilize their communities on the right path. The President also pledged, on behalf of the government, to work closely with the new Kadhi as he executes his religious duties. “As you are all aware, President Museveni is in the race as the NRM Party flag bearer for the forthcoming national elections. He could not break election laws by presenting donations because such an act could easily be misinterpreted as a form of bribery,” Hon. Tayebwa remarked, drawing laughter from the congregants. “So, let’s pray that the elections go well,” he added. Before reading the President’s speech, Hon. Tayebwa commended the close cooperation among faith groups in the district, noting that it was a clear sign of progress achieved under the NRM government. He also praised Sheikh Ali Mwesigye’s family for its interfaith diversity — his surviving mother and parental uncles are practicing Christians belonging to the Catholic Church. In his moving speech, Sheikh Mwesigye revealed that he and his elder brother had both reverted to Islam years ago and pursued formal studies in Islamic theology. He is currently a final-year degree student in Sharia at the Islamic Call University College (ICUC) under UMSC, while his brother, who completed Thanawi (A-level) studies in Islamic education, serves as a mosque imam. On his part, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, commended the Muslims of Kisoro for their remarkable progress. He recalled that when he assumed office as Mufti in 2000, Kisoro Muslims were still under Kabale Muslim District with very few mosques. “It is delightful to see that you have now attained district status and established a number of mosques across different areas,” the Mufti noted. He further praised Kisoro Muslims for producing a new Kadhi from within their area who possesses the qualifications required under the UMSC Constitution. Turning to Sheikh Mwesigye and other Kadhis present, the Mufti reminded them of their core responsibilities — to preach the word of Allah, unite the faithful, and work harmoniously with government and other faith groups under the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) to foster peace and the common good. The Mufti also applauded the Kisoro Muslim District leadership under Elder Abdu Kyomukama for their vision and courage in reclaiming the UMSC’s 15-acre prime land in the heart of Kisoro Municipality that had been grabbed by unscrupulous individuals. He urged them to work closely with the UMSC Headquarters to put the land to productive use through viable development projects. In conclusion, the Mufti called upon all Ugandans to actively participate in the forthcoming national elections by electing leaders who will preserve peace, stability, and inclusive development. Other high-profile personalities who addressed the congregation included His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti; Haj Badru Ssebyala, Kisoro Resident District Commissioner (RDC); Hon. Niyonsaba Alex, MP for Bufumbira South Constituency; Hon. Arifeza Grace Ngabirano, Kisoro Woman MP; and Sheikh Abdu-Karim Abdallah Katamba, the Ankole–Kigezi Muslim Regional Assistant to the Mufti, among other area leaders. Also present were members of the UMSC General Assembly, the National Executive Committee, the National Management Committee (Majlis Al-Ulama), and several Sheikhs. Haj Zziwa Ashiraf UMSC Spokesperson.
