His Eminence Dr Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda has paid tribute to the late Sheikh Abdul-Qadir Mbogo, describing him as an exemplary Muslim cleric, respected elder and an icon whose decades of service shaped the Muslim community. The Mufti’s tribute was delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Mufti, His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, during memorial prayers (Dua) organised by the deceased’s family at their home in Kiwanga, Mukono District, on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
In his message, Sheikh Mubaje remembered Mbogo as a devoted religious leader who served the Muslim community in different capacities, including as the long-serving Kampala District Kadhi and one of the Imams of the Gaddafi National Mosque. He also served as one of the Mufti’s close advisers before retiring from active service around 2015.
Quoting several verses from the Holy Quran and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Sheikh Waiswa said Mbogo had lived an exemplary life of faith and commitment to Islamic service. He traced the deceased’s religious career to shortly after completing his Islamic theological training, when he began serving as a mosque preacher.
Mbogo later became one of the early Muslim preachers to broadcast Islamic teachings on Radio Uganda, delivering Friday sermons in the early 1950s. He continued serving as a preacher until the establishment of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council in 1972, when he was appointed Kampala District Kadhi. He also served as one of the Imams of the National Mosque, holding both positions until his retirement.
Quoting Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 23, Sheikh Waiswa said Mbogo belonged to the category of believers who remained faithful to their commitments to Allah. The verse reads: “Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah. Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [to the death], and among them is he who awaits [his chance]. And they did not alter [the terms of their commitment] by any alteration.”
Sheikh Waiswa recalled that younger clerics had looked up to senior religious leaders such as Mbogo as role models while growing up. He urged Muslims to emulate the deceased’s humility, piety, principled leadership and unwavering commitment to service under the UMSC.
He also clarified the role of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, rejecting an earlier description by Muslim social worker Imam Idi Kasozi, who had referred to UMSC as a sect and political party during his presentation on the life and service of Sheikh Mbogo . Sheikh Waiswa said the UMSC was an umbrella organisation representing Muslims across different affiliations, rather than a sect or political party. He also appealed to Mbogo’s family to remain united and work together to preserve the legacy of their late family head.
Other speakers who paid tribute to the deceased included UMSC Secretary General Hajji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, he also urged Muslim Higher Institutions of learning to document the unwritten and rich history of Islam including personalities like Sheikh Mbogo, Secretary for Religious Affairs Sheikh Imran Ssali, Bukoto Central MP Hon. Richard Sebamala, Dr Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Kisule and Mukono Resident District Commissioner Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Sheikh Jowadi Mbogo and Sadat Mbogo described the deceased as a loving father and religious leader who maintained close relations with people regardless of their backgrounds or affiliations.
The memorial prayers attracted several dignitaries, including UMSC officials, government representatives, academics, politicians and local leaders.