Karamoja Muslim Community demand a regional center from Islamic partners

Muslims drawn from different parts of the region and outside Uganda attending the Ijtimah Muslim Da’Wa conference in Moroto. PHOTO URN
Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Muslim in the Karamoja sub-region have demanded the establishment of a Regional Center from Islamic partners to strengthen their religion. This request was made during the annual Muslim Da’Wa conference-Ijtima held from May 24 to May 26, 2024, at Kakoliye Moslem Primary School in Moroto Municipality.
The conference attracted over 3,000 Muslim from various parts of the region and beyond. It was aimed at reminding Muslims of the teachings of Prophet Mohammed and provide knowledge on Islamic perspectives regarding religious affairs, unity, harmony, and peaceful coexistence within the region.
Hajji Mohammed Akida Lokure, the Kadhi of Moroto Muslim District, noted that while Islam is growing stronger in other parts of the country, the Karamoja sub-region is still struggling to attract new adherents. Akida emphasized the need for an Islamic center to implement developmental activities for the religion.
He pointed out that Christian communities dominate the region due to strong support on the ground and suggested that similar support for the Muslim community could yield comparable results. Akida reiterated the need for Islamic partners to support the development of the Karamoja sub-region, highlighting that they often receive aid from Catholic partners, even though Islamic partners are concentrated in other regions.
He reported that approximately 2,700 Muslims have joined the Islamic faith in the region, with hopes of attracting more. Akida urged partners to focus on transforming the communities in Karamoja, which face various challenges affecting livelihoods.
Sheikh Abdul Wahab, the Imam of Moroto main mosque, noted that the Ijtimah congregation would help bridge gaps in the Islamic religion. Wahab stated that their priorities include preaching peace, unity, and harmony among the people in the region.
He highlighted the significance of this event in helping the Karamojong understand the values of being Muslim.
Sheikh Abdul Nasser Kakande, representing the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council-UMSC from Makki Masjid of Markaz Kajjansi in Entebbe, acknowledged the challenges facing Islam in the Karamoja sub-region. Kakande pledged efforts to unite and empower Muslims in the region.
He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from the Karamoja community, indicating a conducive environment for development. Kakande encouraged Muslims to visit the region and share ideas for the development of the religion.
He also called on Muslims in the diaspora to support the Karamoja Muslim community and help attract more adherents to Islam.
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