By Emmanuel Okiria
Sheikh Obilan Abubakar Umar, the first Regional Assistant Mufti of the Teso-Karamoja Region, is currently in Saudi Arabia for a two-week pilgrimage to perform Umrah (minor pilgrimage).
This journey, which began on December 25, 2024, marks a significant milestone in his spiritual and leadership journey as he seeks to rejuvenate his spiritual welfare and deepen his commitment to Allah.
Sheikh Obilan, who was recently consecrated on November 27, 2024, as the Regional Assistant Mufti under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), aims to combine spiritual reflection with practical efforts to foster development in the historically marginalized Teso-Karamoja Region.
During his consecration speech, Sheikh Obilan outlined an ambitious agenda focused on education, poverty alleviation, and community cohesion.
He emphasized the importance of both theological and secular education for Muslim children and proposed the establishment of self-help projects to address widespread poverty.
Additionally, he pledged to foster harmonious relationships between the Muslim and wider communities.
“Teso-Karamoja has been a marginalized region in Muslim service delivery due to lack of representation. With the creation of the region and my appointment, we are optimistic about witnessing significant improvements, God willing,” Sheikh Obilan remarked.
While in Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Obilan has held discussions with several potential development partners from various countries.
These engagements are aimed at forging partnerships to support strategic community development projects back in Uganda.
Through the Ateker Muslim Development Foundation (AMDEF) and collaboration with organizations such as Hijir Ismael Hajji and Umrah Travel Agency, Sheikh Obilan envisions an increase in opportunities for the region’s Muslim population.
This includes access to scholarships, pilgrimage sponsorships, and community empowerment programs.
He noted that in the past, Teso-Karamoja Muslims were excluded from scholarships and other opportunities that instead benefited children from other regions under their name.
“We deeply appreciate His Eminence Mufti Mubaje for his visionary leadership in reviewing the UMSC constitution to grant regional status to Teso-Karamoja. This affirmative action will help balance the development equation,” he said.
Sheikh Obilan highlighted urgent priorities such as enhancing access to clean and safe water, providing scholarships for students, and capacity-building programs for leaders.
“Under this new regional framework, we hope to see a great rise in the number of Muslims visiting Mecca and benefiting from broader development programs,” he added.
Upon his return, Sheikh Obilan is set to unveil the first regional budget for the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’s 2025 financial year.
The event, themed “Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Community Welfare through Transparent Resource Mobilization and Efficient Service Delivery,” will take place on January 18, 2024, at the Taj Mahal Hotel during the Muslim Corporates Luncheon.
This historic budget presentation is expected to outline plans to enhance service delivery and ensure accountability while mobilizing resources for the region’s welfare.
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