Sheikh Abu-Jafar Sha'ban, the Kadhi of Arua Muslim District explained that the creation of these new districts will help reduce the administrative workload and improve service delivery to the Muslim community.
Muslim leaders in West Nile are hopeful for enhanced service delivery as plans to create three new districts out of Arua Muslim District are set to move forward. On March 29, 2024, the Executive Committee of Arua Muslim District approved the elevation of three Muslim counties to district status.
The Muslim counties set to become districts are Maracha, Terego, and Madi-Okollo Muslim counties. Sheikh Abu-Jafar Sha'ban, the Kadhi of Arua Muslim District explained that the creation of these new districts will help reduce the administrative workload and improve service delivery to the Muslim community. "We are waiting for feedback from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council headquarters,” Sheikh Sha'ban said.
//Cue-in: "We are waiting.....
Cue-out: "...Muslim district status."//
Arua Muslim District currently comprises several administrative units, including Arua City, Arua District, Maracha, Terego, Upper Madi-Okollo, Lower Madi-Okollo, Ayivu Division, and Arua Central Division. The County Kadhi of Upper Madi-Okollo Muslim County, Safi Nasuru, noted that granting district status to Madi-Okollo will make services more accessible to the people.
"Granting district status to Madi-Okollo will streamline administration because currently, Arua Muslim District covers many counties, which hampers effective service delivery," Nasuru said.
The Executive Committee of Arua Muslim District has submitted its resolutions to the Mufti’s office regarding the new district creation. However, they are still awaiting a formal response before the new districts can begin operations.
Ashraf Zziwa, the Public Relations Officer at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, stated that the matter will be addressed soon, as the council is currently focused on planning for UMSC’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.
Bosco Ayume
Freelancer