By Emmanuel Okiria
Tension erupted in Kumi Muslim District as the local Muslim community stormed the office of District Kadhi Sheikh Abdul Wahab Kauta, demanding his immediate removal over allegations of corruption, mismanagement of Muslim assets, and forgery.
The angry community members accused the Kadhi of illegally leasing and selling community-owned land without the council’s consent.
According to the accusations, Sheikh Kauta fraudulently leased a prime piece of land along Kumi-Tirinyi Road in Kumi Municipality for 49 years to a businessman and failed to account for the funds received.
Additionally, he reportedly leased another 20 acres of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) land in Kanyumu Town Council to Turkish investors without the district council’s approval.
Reports also suggest he was in the process of leasing out land in Ngora to the same businessman.
These revelations sparked outrage among the Muslim leaders and faithful, who petitioned the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) under the leadership of His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubajje to intervene.
The Kumi Muslim District Council had previously instituted a commission of inquiry, which on August 19, 2024, released its findings, recommending the Kadhi’s impeachment.
On August 28, 2024, a district joint committee convened and officially impeached Sheikh Kauta, submitting the resolution to the Mufti of Uganda.
Despite this decision, Sheikh Kauta continued occupying office, defying the council’s ruling.
His refusal to vacate led to heightened tensions, culminating in a chaotic meeting on Sunday, February 16, 2025, where furious community members demanded his urgent exit.
The district council accused him of arrogance, incompetence, and running the office without consulting council members.
“We don’t want the Kadhi anymore. He has misled Kumi Muslim District and used his position to oppress the community,” they stated.
Usuf Aisu, the district treasurer, echoed these concerns, citing a lack of coordination and cooperation between the council and the Kadhi.
He further accused Sheikh Kauta of unlawfully dismissing officially appointed council members and replacing them with his own hand-picked individuals.
Following the unrest, the council took drastic action by locking Sheikh Kauta out of his office until the conflict is resolved.
The office has since been handed over to the Kumi Muslim District Secretary, who will oversee its operations until the Mufti makes a final decision.
Efforts to reach Sheikh Wahab Kauta for comment were unsuccessful, as he remained silent on the allegations.
The Kumi Muslim community now awaits intervention from the Mufti of Uganda and the Regional Assistant Mufti (RAM) of the North Eastern Muslim Region to restore order and transparency in the district’s leadership.
About Author
