Amid Tears and Prayers, Muslims Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Former Supreme Mufti Sheikh Siliman Kasule Ndirangwa

By Osmara Digital Media News

KAMPALA, UGANDA — September 20, 2026 Muslims from across Uganda gathered at the residence of former Supreme Mufti Sheikh Siliman Kasule Ndirangwa for a solemn dua marked by prayers, tears, heartfelt tributes and reflections on the life and legacy of a respected Islamic leader.

The gathering brought together members of the late Sheikh’s family, religious leaders, former colleagues, friends, community leaders and other Muslims who came to pray for his soul and remember the contribution he made to the Muslim community.

Among those who attended was former Kawempe North Member of Parliament Latif Ssebagala, who was accompanied by his brothers. Also present were former senior officials from the Office of the Supreme Mufti, including Sheikh Kigozi Mahmoud, who previously served as Secretary-General, and Sheikh Lubowa Luwalira, who served as Secretary-General before Sheikh Kigozi succeeded him. Others include Hajj Yusuf Katungulu Sonko, Director of Faiha Nursery and Primary School, as well as numerous religious leaders, friends, former workmates and community members. Their presence reflected the wide network of relationships that Sheikh Siliman Kasule Ndirangwa built during his years of religious service.

Sheikh Ismail Semwanga Brings Warmth to Emotional Gathering

One of the notable figures during the programme was Sheikh Ismail Semwanga, who served as the master of ceremonies.

Sheikh Semwanga played a significant role in guiding the programme while recognising the late Sheikh’s friends, former workmates, religious colleagues and other guests who had gathered to pay their respects. Although the occasion was characterised by grief and tears, Sheikh Semwanga brought a lively and engaging presence to the gathering.

With his knowledge of the late Sheikh’s relationships, he was able to recognise and acknowledge people who had shared different chapters of Sheikh Ndirangwa’s life, including those who had worked with him and those who maintained close personal friendships with him. His lively presentation occasionally brought smiles and moments of warmth to an otherwise deeply emotional gathering.

Through his role, Sheikh Semwanga helped present Sheikh Ndirangwa not only as a senior Islamic leader but also as a friend, colleague, mentor and member of a wider community.

Friends and Former Colleagues Remember His Legacy

Speakers at the dua reflected on Sheikh Ndirangwa’s religious service, humility, friendships and relationships with Muslims from different communities. For those who knew him personally, the gathering was an opportunity to mourn his passing while also expressing gratitude to Allah for the life he lived and the people he touched.

Former colleagues from the Office of the Supreme Mufti joined family members and friends in remembering the late Sheikh, with their presence adding an institutional dimension to the tributes. Sheikh Kigozi Mahmoud and Sheikh Lubowa Luwalira, both of whom served as Secretary-General at different periods, and Sonko were among those who came to honour their former colleague and participate in prayers for his soul.

The gathering also brought together people who knew Sheikh Ndirangwa outside his formal religious responsibilities, highlighting the personal relationships he maintained throughout his life.

Children Announce Sheikh Ndirangwa Foundation One of the major announcements during the dua came from the children of the late Sheikh, who revealed plans to establish the Sheikh Ndirangwa Foundation in his memory.

The proposed foundation is intended to preserve their father’s legacy by supporting charitable and community-oriented initiatives. According to the family, the foundation is expected to support people facing different challenges, with particular attention to education, teachers and other community needs.

The children explained that they had discussed the idea with family members and elders and were working towards establishing the necessary structures for the foundation.

The family described the initiative as part of their desire to establish Sadaqatul Jariya—ongoing charitable work whose benefits can continue reaching people and, by Allah’s will, contribute to the rewards of their late father.

The children said further details about the foundation, including its programmes and operations, would be communicated once preparations are complete.

Turning His Values into Community Service The family said the proposed foundation would seek to translate values associated with Sheikh Ndirangwa’s life into practical community support. Among the areas discussed were assistance to schools and teachers and support for people facing difficulties in their daily lives.

The children said they intend to work together as a family and with respected elders and other stakeholders to ensure that the foundation develops into a sustainable initiative.

The announcement therefore added a forward-looking dimension to the dua, shifting part of the conversation from remembering the late Sheikh to considering how his values and commitment to service can continue benefiting others.

A Gathering Marked by Prayer and Gratitude

As the dua progressed, the atmosphere remained deeply emotional, with mourners remembering the late Sheikh through prayers and personal testimonies. Muslims prayed for Allah to forgive Sheikh Siliman Kasule Ndirangwa, have mercy upon him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. The gathering also served as a reminder of the importance of appreciating parents, elders, friends and religious leaders while they are still alive.

The proposed Sheikh Ndirangwa Foundation is expected to become one of the ways through which the family seeks to carry forward aspects of his legacy, particularly through charitable and educational initiatives.

May Allah forgive Former Supreme Mufti Sheikh Siliman Kasule Ndirangwa, grant him mercy and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus. Allahumma Ameen.