By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE
The Bugisu Muslim District Council has approved the creation of two new Muslim counties, known as Twale, during a council meeting held in Malukhu, Mbale Industrial city Division in Mbale city.
The new counties that were approved on Friday, 17th May, 2024 are Busiu County from Busoba located at Mbale district and Butiru located at Manafwa district from Lwakhakha former County.
This decision comes in response to the need to address operational challenges faced by the Muslim community in the area, as highlighted by Bugisu District Khadhi, Sheikh Issa Ahmed Masaba.
Sheikh Masaba emphasized that the division of the two counties, Busiu and Butiru, was necessary due to their size, making it difficult to operate effectively.
He also stressed the importance of resolving land ownership issues within the community, stating that only four land titles currently exist while the rest are agreements, which could potentially cause problems.
He adds that the Muslim community should know that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) is not a charity organization, and it is the Muslim community’s responsibility to facilitate all activities.
Chairman of the Bugisu Muslim District Council, Hajji Waboga Ali, stated that the council meeting’s primary agenda was to pass the budget for the financial year 2024.
With the approval of the two new counties, the total number of counties in the council will rise to 17 if they meet the necessary requirements.
The Bugisu Muslim District Council consists of 15 counties, with Mbale City having the highest number of mosques (172), followed by Mbale District with 94 mosques, Manafwa with 23 mosques across 2 counties, and Namisindwa with 26 mosques in 1 county.
