Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda has remembered the former 2nd deputy Prime Minister, late Hon. Ali Kirunda Kivejinja, as a humble and selfless person who strived to serve the nation.

“Our late father Haj. Ali Kirunda Kivejinja – KK as he was fondly known, was a humble man who was born in a strong Muslim family. He lived his entire life selflessly striving to serve the Nation,” Sheikh Mubaje recounted, adding that” we still feel his absence and the gap he left is very difficult to fill.”

He was speaking at the memorial prayers for the late Kirunda at his home in Buwabe Village in Bugweri District over the weekend. The Mufti noted that the late Kirunda was very passionate about his Islamic faith. “His passion for Islam was evident in his deeds as he always talked of constructing Mosques and schools,” he said.

He reminded President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni not to abandon the late Kirunda’s family since he held several portfolios in his government.

“He was good cadre; his family should not feel abandoned and left to suffer,” he said. Sheikh Mubaje also appreciated Museveni for accepting his request during the burial of the late Kirunda to appoint a Muslim to take up his position. “Thank God the President listened to our pleas, we managed to secure post, which is now occupied by a Muslim Lady still from Busoga region,” Sheikh Mubaje said.

In his concluding remarks, the Mufti urged Muslims to educate their children and maintain peaceful co-existence with members of other faith groups.

Many dignitaries including Sheikh Musa Muyinda, a member of the UMSC Executive, Sheikh Munir Ssebintu, a Member Majlis Al Ulama & Secretary for Halal, Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Hussein Bbowa, the Busoga Regional Kadhi, Sheikh Sinan Muwanika, the Kadhi Iganga Muslim District, and government officials attended the prayers. The late Kirunda died on December 19th, 2020 at Mulago National Referral Hospital where he had spent several weeks under admission.  Later Sheikh Mubaje passed out 12 young Muslims upon their successful memorization of the Holy Quran at Al-Bayan Quran Memorization Centre at Iganga District. The Centre belongs to Sheikh Othuman Shaban Ngobi.