Dr. Haj Edris Sserugo Kasenene has traced the origins of Kawempe Muslim Senior Secondary School during a gathering at the Juma-Zukulu Muslim Group headquarters on Kyadondo Hill, ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Dr. Kasenene recounted how the second government of Dr. Milton Obote rewarded the Muslim community for the outstanding performance of Kawempe Muslim Primary School by supporting the establishment of a secondary school in 1984. The land for the school, originally part of the Juma-Zukulu faction’s mosque property, was secured with approval from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). The school has grown into one of Uganda’s leading Muslim-based, government-aided institutions, consistently producing top-performing students who have proceeded to universities and now serve in various professional fields.
Dr. Kasenene explained that he, together with the late Haj Muhamood Kateregga Namuguzi—then Chairman of the primary school’s Parent-Teacher Association and former UMSC Executive member—approached the mosque trustees to establish the school. The trustees advised them to consult UMSC, which had erected a building with Saudi Arabian support intended for a conversion center and health facility. With UMSC approval, the trustees entered an agreement to start the school. Dr. Kasenene emphasized that history has sometimes been misrepresented and called on the school administration to ensure representation from both UMSC and Juma-Zukulu on the School Board of Governors. His clarification cleared the wrong impression that was created to imply that the school belonged to UMEA Ltd, a private entity established in 1995 by Prince Haj Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu of Kibuli.
Earlier in the event, Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Walusimbi, Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Kisule, and Sheikh Kasujja shared reflections from the Holy Qur’an, urging believers to reconcile, intensify devotions, and perform good deeds during Ramadan.
The gathering concluded with remarks from Sheikh Mahdi Abdunoor Kabuye Kawoya, President General of Juma-Zukulu, and the Chief Guest, Sheikh Hashim Hassan Kamugunda, Tanzanian cleric and advisor to the Grand Mufti of Tanzania, who reminded attendees to remain God-conscious.
High-profile attendees included Hon. Haj Muhamood Kateregga Junior, UMSC Executive Member; Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda, Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti; District Kadhis; and other prominent Sheikhs.