By Delux Emmy Alomu
SOROTI
The Muslim community in the North Eastern region, which includes Teso and Karamoja subregions, has expressed its gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for reappointing Jessica Alupo as Vice President for a second term.
During Eid Al-Adha prayers at Soroti Sports Grounds on Wednesday, 27th May, 2026, the regional Assistant Mufti for the North Eastern region, Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, acknowledged that while there have been fewer appointments for Teso and the Muslim community, the President’s decision to retain Vice President Alupo was commendable.
He also highlighted the appointment of David Calvin Echodu, the NRM National Vice Chairperson for Eastern and MP for Soroti City West, as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Sheikh Obilan conveyed the appreciation of the Muslim communities in Teso and Karamoja, noting that they view Alupo as a humble leader who represents their interests well.
Preaching under the theme: ‘The Ibrahim family legacy: when obedience hurts, Unity Heals got from Qur’an 37: 108-109,’ he emphasized the crucial role of family discussions in addressing domestic issues, citing a study revealing that 78 percent of Muslim families in the region experience domestic violence, leading to an increase in single motherhood.
He stressed the importance of open communication, suggesting that regular family meetings are essential but often lacking in Muslim households.
Additionally, Sheikh Obilan condemned the practice of human sacrifice, urging the community to adhere to religious norms.
He also raised concerns about the prolonged court case involving Jozan Primary school-Soroti City pupil, Joan Faith Apio, allegedly slaughtered in August 2025, contrasting it with the swift resolution of the case involving Christopher Okello Onyum, who fatally stabbed four toddlers in April and faced sentencing within weeks.
The Sheikh warned the Muslim community against purchasing meat from untrustworthy sources who collect from slaughter centers and sell it in town, describing such meat as impure and a potential source of curses.
He expressed his gratitude to the president for sponsoring five community members from Teso and Karamoja to perform Hajj in Mecca, marking a significant milestone as this is the largest group from the region to embark on the pilgrimage.
Hajji Imran Muluga, the Resident District Commissioner of Soroti, expressed disappointment over the failure of many Muslims to adhere to standard operating procedures during Eid prayers, while urging them to follow these guidelines when getting meat this week, as the threat of Ebola remains, even though the disease has not yet emerged in Teso.
During a May 26th, 2026 visit to the Soroti regional office by the Uganda Human Rights Commission chairperson, Deputy Registrar Emmy Sayekwo stated that the murder of a Jozan Primary School pupil poses a significant challenge for the judiciary, but they plan to address it sensitively in a special session.
