President Museveni has expressed his condolences upon the death of the Supreme Mufti, Sheikh Zubair Kayongo. The President was speaking today at Kibuli Mosque during the Duwa and funeral service of the late Sheikh Kayongo who passed away in Tanzania yesterday. The prayers were attended by various dignitaries, including the Vice-Chairman of NRM, Al hajji Moses Kigongo, the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Gen. Moses Ali and Archbishop Emeritus Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo.
“I am expressing my condolences because of the untimely departure of Sheikh Kayongo at 82 years of age. He was crucial and credible in efforts towards solving issues within the Muslim community,” the President said noting the passing on of Sheikh Kayongo is a big loss to Muslims and all Ugandans at large.
He called on the Muslim community to continue with efforts to promote unity. He informed them that the Government has arrested a number of killers and thugs and some of them were using the Islamic faith. He assured the mourners that the rest of the murderers would also be arrested.
The Kabaka of Buganda, His Majesty Ronald Mutebi, in a message delivered on his behalf by Katikkiro Peter Mayiga, said he had learnt of the death of Sheikh Kayongo with great shock. He added that the late Sheikh Kayongo supported Buganda and wished all the people happiness. He prayed for him to rest in peace.
The Historical Head of the Muslim Community, Al Hajji Kassim Nakibinge saluted President Museveni for contributing Shs. 50million towards the funeral expenses. He further thanked him for an additional Shs.25million, noting that it had enabled the return of the body from Dar-es –Salaam.
He thanked God for the wisdom He gave to the late Sheikh Kayongo and called on the College of Sheikhs to sit and agree on the issue of the next Supreme Mufti.
He thanked the Tanzanian Government for assisting in the medical treatment of the late Sheikh Kayongo.
The NRM Vice Chairman, Hajji Moses Kigongo said that apart from training people to behave well, Sheikh Kayongo was also a man who cherished respect for people.
Kayongo was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Buswa-Bulogo in Kiboga district at 4.30pm.
