The passing of Sheikh Kasule Ndirangwa has left a big blow among the Muslim fraternity in Uganda. Ndirangwa, 62, died on Friday at Mengo Hospital following his recent admission to the facility. Many remember him as a unifier. Who was he?
Born on October 9, 1962, to the late Hajji Muhammad Kasule and Hajjat Ajiri Nakawungu of Kirayangoma in Kisekka sub-county, now part of Lwengo District, Ndirangwa’s journey began in the humble classrooms of Madarasat Noor Kirayangoma Primary School and Sseke Primary School, where he sat his Primary Leaving Examinations.
His academic path in Islamic studies took him through Bilal Islamic Institute in Uganda before he earned the Idaad certificate, a qualification that opened doors for further study at Dar-al-Hadith Makkiyah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
In 1985, he enrolled at the prestigious Islamic University of Madinah, graduating in 1989 with a degree in Da’awah (Islamic propagation), solidifying his grounding in Islamic scholarship and outreach.
Returning to Uganda, Sheikh Ndirangwa was appointed Imaam of Kibuli Mosque in 1992, a position that propelled him to national recognition. His sermons and leadership drew attention for their clarity, moral discipline, and commitment to the advancement of Islam in Uganda.
During the 2000 Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) elections, he was elected unopposed to represent Kibuli Twaale on the Kampala Muslim District Council and later served as Kampala District Kadhi, a role he held until he succeeded Sheikh Zubair Kayongo in 2015 as Supreme Mufti of the Kibuli Muslim administration following the latter’s passing.
The Kibuli faction, which broke away from the UMSC headquarters at Old Kampala in 2009, was established in protest over allegations of mismanagement and the misuse of Muslim properties.
Under Sheikh Ndirangwa’s tenure, Kibuli operated as an autonomous Muslim leadership structure, emphasising accountability, decentralisation, and grassroots Islamic teaching.
n April 2021, Sheikh Ndirangwa resigned abruptly from his position as Supreme Mufti in a nationally televised address.
Although he cited a desire to protect the unity of the Muslim community, his parting words hinted at deeper internal wrangles within the Kibuli administration. The true reasons were never officially disclosed, leaving observers and the faithful speculating about the undercurrents of power and reform.
Outside the pulpit, Sheikh Ndirangwa was also a religious entrepreneur. He founded Swafah and Mar’wa Hijja and Umrah Travel Services, an agency that has facilitated hundreds of Ugandan Muslims in fulfilling their spiritual obligations to Mecca.
Until his resignation, he remained a towering figure in Islamic circles—a man whose life reflected discipline, simplicity, and scholarly devotion.
Sheikh Ndirangwa has been remembered as a devoted scholar, preacher, and national religious leader whose resignation in 2021 stunned the Muslim community and left many unanswered questions.
