By Aaron Okotel
The District Khadi of the Bugisu Muslim Region, Sheikh Issa Ahmed Masaba, has urged leaders to uphold unity, forgiveness, and respect for cultural and religious values while serving the public.
Sheikh Masaba made the remarks during a thanksgiving ceremony organized by the newly elected Bungokho North Member of Parliament, Shafiga Wanyenya, held on Saturday in, Wanale sub county of Bungokho North Constituency.
The Khadi thanked Ugandans for voting President Yoweri Museveni back into power and also praised the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Mubaje, for promoting unity among Muslims in the country.
There is no Muslim leader who has harmonized Muslims in Uganda like Mufti Sheikh Shaban Mubaje. Sheikh Masaba said.
He also applauded the people of Bungokho North for electing Shafiga Wanyenya to Parliament, describing her as a young and promising leader who deserves support from the community.
The Khadi further commented Wanale Sub-county for producing prominent Muslim leaders, including the late Sulaiman Gidima, whom he credited for fighting for Muslim representation in government and spearheading the establishment of religious-founded schools in the Bugisu sub-region.
He cautioned the new legislator about the challenges of leadership, urging her to remain humble and forgiving despite criticism and opposition.
Leadership is not easy. Forgive those who wrong you and move on. Even leaders sometimes cannot freely eat at public ceremonies because of the risks involved. He said.
He also appealed to elders and residents of Bungokho North to guide and support the youthful legislator during her tenure.
The religious leader further urged Members of Parliament to protect Uganda’s cultural and religious values while debating and passing laws in Parliament.
Meanwhile, MP Shafiga Wanyenya assured her constituents that she was ready to serve them after officially being sworn into office.
She said her leadership would be guided by a 10-point plan that was officially launched during the thanksgiving ceremony and would form the basis upon which voters would assess her performance within the first 100 days in office.
I told my people during campaigns that my agreement with them was in the first 100 days, and that is what they will use to judge whether I can perform in the next five years. Wanyenya said.
Among the priorities in her 100-day agenda are the provision of an ambulance for constituents, establishment of women’s SACCO groups, formation of a youth parliament, promotion of youth projects, tourism development, and agricultural initiatives in Bungokho North.
She called upon residents to trust her leadership, support her programs, and pray for her as she begins her parliamentary term.
Wanyenya also thanked supporters and residents who attended the thanksgiving ceremony in large numbers.