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His Highness Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, the Wonyci – Chief of Lango, paid a courtesy visit to His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, at his office at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Headquarters in Old Kampala on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. He was accompanied by Mr. Willy Omodo Omodo, the Speaker of the Lango Clans Council, Dr. Adam Kibwanga Makmot, their Attorney General and also a UMSC National Executive Member, and two clan heads. Chief Okune explained to the Mufti that his visit aimed to foster collaboration with the religious institutions to which the majority of his subjects belong. “Lango is not in conflict with Islam. We seek to open a new chapter in partnering in all social transformation programs in communities,” the Wonyci remarked. Additionally, Chief Okune highlighted that among his primary responsibilities are uniting the people of the Langi tribe, the fifth largest in Uganda, and preserving their cultural norms, including language. Earlier, Mr. Omodo Omodo, the Speaker, had briefed the Mufti on the hierarchy of the Lango Chiefdom, which is currently experiencing significant population growth. He also informed the Mufti that Chief Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune was recently elected to his high position and would be enthroned in November of this year, extending a personal invitation to the Mufti.
The Mufti warmly welcomed the delegation and briefly recounted the history of foreign religions, Islam and Christianity, in the region. He noted that many African cultures inherently possess good morals and reject all forms of vice. “We need collective efforts to preserve such norms that are not in conflict with our religious values,” Mufti Mubaje observed.
Both sides engaged in extensive discussions on future partnerships in various areas of development. Other brief speeches were delivered by UMSC top officials present, including Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the Secretary General; Hon. Haj Juma Ali Ngobi, Secretary for Finance and Planning; Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, Education Secretary; and Hon. Sophie Safina Kenyangi, National Chairperson of the Muslim Women Council.
