By Delux Emmy Alomu
TESO
Sheikh Ramadhan Ibrahim Ibwakit has officially been installed and sworn in as the new Kadhi of Teso District, with the serious call on the local Muslim community to resolve internal conflicts.
The 47-year-old Sheikh was nominated and vetted by the Teso Muslim District Council of Sheikhs on January 21, 2026, succeeding Sheikh Asuman Muhammad Ocen, who has served in this role for the past nine years.
In accordance with Articles 19–22 of the amended UMSC Constitution 2022, which outlines the selection criteria for the Kadhi position, the council presented Sheikh Ibwakit as the sole candidate to the Mufti. The appointment was subsequently made in consultation with the Majlis Al Ulama, the Council of Eminent Sheikhs.
The swearing-in and handover ceremony, led by Abubaker Were Wandahgor, the National Chairperson of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Independent Electoral Commission, drew a large crowd at the Soroti Muslim School, located within the District Main Mosque in Soroti City on Wednesday February 4th, 2026.
During the ceremony, Were emphasized that the new Kadhi is expected to have at least a senior six certificate or higher in Arabic. Due to the urgency of the appointment, the Mufti took swift action while awaiting formal ratification from the Majlis Al Ulama.
Sheikh Ibwakit took oaths of allegiance and secrecy before receiving essential documents, including the constitution and guidelines, to assist him in his new role.
Before his appointment as deputy district kadhi three years ago and now ditrict kadhi, Ibwakit served as Imam samia mosque for along time.
Sheikh Ocen expressed gratitude to the UMSC for expediting the appointment process, noting the challenges faced during his term. He highlighted accomplishments such as acquiring over seven land titles and constructing vital infrastructure, despite the internal disputes.
In acknowledging his struggles, Sheikh Ocen revealed that he had appointed Ibwakit a deputy to aid in conflict resolution. He called on the Muslim community to support the new Kadhi by providing constructive feedback.
As Sheikh Ibwakit addressed the audience, he stressed the importance of teamwork and unity, urging everyone to focus on Islamic values and community development.
He encouraged the community to leave behind past conflicts and to start anew, expressing his emotions and cutting his speech short as he shed tears.
Chief Guest Sheikh Imran Ssali, the secretary religious affairs who was representing the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Ramathan Mubaje, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed kadhi.
He emphasized the importance of leading with the fear of Allah, sincerity, justice, and humility, reminding the kadhi that leadership is a profound trust and responsibility that will be accounted for on the Day of Judgment.
Sheikh Ssali addressed Ibwakit, underscoring that his role as kadhi extends to all Muslims in Teso, including those who may hold differing views. He highlighted the kadhi’s duty to promote unity, reconcile differences, and reinforce the bonds of brotherhood within the community.
He urged the new kadhi to prioritize spiritual, social, and economic development in the district, aiming to leave behind a legacy of positive achievements for future generations, much like his predecessor.
“Always let the Quran and the USMC constitution guide your decisions,” he advised.
Furthermore, Sheikh Ssali called on the members of the district council to support and collaborate closely with the new kadhi to foster progress and development within the district.
“This is your new district kadhi; let us unify our efforts for peace, unity, and development,” he encouraged.
Sheikh Abubakar Umar Obilan, the North Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti, expressed gratitude for the swift appointment of the new district kadhi, recognizing the pressing responsibilities awaiting him.
He noted that many Muslims in Teso have witnessed the conflicts around them, which have led to considerable losses. Obilan pointed out the need to address various contributing factors, including a lack of knowledge.
He also celebrated the unprecedented qualification of the new kadhi, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies and Arabic from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU). This academic achievement brings renewed hope to the Muslim community.
Obilan acknowledged that every leader has strengths and weaknesses; however, he encouraged the community to view Ibwakit as someone who has the potential to grow, despite his tenure as deputy district kadhi for the past three years.
He emphasized the necessity of dialogue and cooperation, urging Ibwakit to embrace everyone to prevent any discord within the community.
Abdul Latif Wali, the newly elected Mayor of Soroti City East, urged the Muslim community to refrain from involving law enforcement and courts in their affairs, asserting that the new kadhi is fully equipped to manage these matters effectively.
Moses Atan Okia, the newly elected MP for Soroti City East, highlighted the importance of addressing the underdeveloped properties and valuable assets within the Muslim community, including a medical facility that requires attention.
He emphasized his commitment to ensuring these resources are fully utilized. Atan urged the community to move past feelings of regret, fear, and hopelessness, stating that life can only thrive when these negative emotions are left behind.
“Let us, as the new leaders, acknowledge that the past is behind us and concentrate on the present and future,” Atan remarked, noting that the issues faced are not just limited to the Muslim community but extend throughout Teso, where disunity often results in attempts to undermine progress.
He asserted, “It’s better to set aside party affiliations and work together for the common good.”
Sheikh Waiswa, a special nominee from the Mufti to the Assembly, called on Muslims to rally behind their new kadhi as they celebrate 112 years of Islam in Teso and 54 years of their United States Muslim Community (USMC). He pointed out that this is the first kadhi to hail from Teso.
Emmanuel Elesu, the project officer for the Teso Religious Leaders Efforts for Peace and Reconciliation (TERELEPAR), spoke of their organization’s mission for alternative dispute resolution, aimed at settling disagreements through dialogue. He expressed gratitude towards the outgoing kadhi, who served as deputy chairperson of TERELEPAR, and extended his full support to the incoming kadhi, encouraging them to succeed in their role.
Founded in 1972, the Teso Muslim District includes Soroti, Serere, Kalaki, Kaberamaido, Amuria, and Katakwi, and encompasses eight Muslim counties along with 141 mosques.
Teso District Kadhi since 1972
1. Sheikh Umar Muhamad 1972-1979
2. Sheikh Faraj Omugit 1979-1985
3. Sheikh Ahmad Shar Muhamad 1985-1987
4. Sheikh Muhamad Kizito 1987-1990
5. Sheikh Hassan Mubarak Abila 1991-1993
6. Sheikh Muhamad Kizito-Again 1993-2001
7. Sheikh Hassan Mubarak Abila-Again 2001-2012
8. Sheikh Abdul Mutwalib Musa Waiswa 2012-2017
9. Sheikh Asuman Muhamad Ocen 2017-2026
10. Sheikh Ramathan Ibrahim Ibwakit 2026-onwards
