His Eminence Sheikh Obilan Abubakar Umar, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of the North Eastern Muslim region doubles as Director Ateker Muslim Development Foundation (AMDEF), has officially launched the construction of 150 mosques across Teso and Karamoja.
The initiative, spearheaded through the Ateker Muslim Development Foundation (AMDEF), aims to strengthen the Islamic faith, promote education, and foster peace and unity among communities in the two regions.
Although the project began a year ago, construction activities started this year, with over five mosques already completed in the Teso region and many more underway.
While commissioning a newly completed mosque in Agonga Aridai, Kungur Sub-county, Kapelebyong District on April 16, 2025, constructed with support from Global Helping Hand, Sheikh Obilan appealed to the community to donate more land for the construction of additional development infrastructure, such as schools and health centers.
“We thank Almighty Allah for granting us the health and wisdom to undertake this noble task,” Sheikh Obilan said.
“I also thank the Muslim community for answering our call by offering land and support. As the Qur’an states, ‘I will show the way to those who strive for it.”
Sheikh Obilan emphasized the long-term vision of the project, which includes constructing not only mosques but also primary, secondary, and tertiary schools, boreholes, and health centers.
However, he noted that the full implementation of this plan is currently limited by land and financial constraints.
He called for peaceful coexistence and cooperation between Muslims and Christians, noting that development thrives in unity.
“Today, we have witnessed love and togetherness from both Muslims and Christians who have gathered to celebrate this milestone,” he said.
“Let us embrace and spread this love, and Allah will bless us abundantly.”
Sheikh Obilan also conveyed greetings from the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Ramadhan Mubajje, who has pledged to tour the region and support ongoing efforts.
“Above all, let us ensure our children go to school, for they are our pride and our future,” he added.
Hon. Hassan Otai, Member of the National Assembly, commended the community for their collective effort and urged Muslims to deeply engage with the teachings of Islam, to love and learn the faith, and to lead with Islamic principles.
He also encouraged community members to support the initiative by surveying land allocated for Muslim development.
However, Hon. Otai expressed concern over the abandonment of Kungur Primary School, urging parents to reconsider its importance and contribute to its revival.
“Let’s sit down as a community and focus on building this school for the future of our children,” he said.
Sheikh Kasim Acara Suleiman, County Sheikh for Kapelebyong, also expressed his appreciation, noting that while the district has 20 mosques, only four (04) are permanent.
He called for continued support to uplift the region’s Muslim infrastructure.
Local leaders also voiced their gratitude and hopes. Joseph Enotu, LCIII Chairperson of Kungur Sub-county, praised the establishment of the mosque, which he said would strengthen Islam, love, and peace in the area.
He appealed for a technical school in the sub-county to empower local youth.
Ocen Simon Peter, LCI Chairperson of Aridai village, lauded AMDEF for the initiative and urged them to also consider constructing boreholes, schools, and health centers, especially as clean water remains a major concern in the community.
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