Sheikh Abbas Batiira, the Kadhi of Mpigi Muslim District under Buganda West Region is dead.
Sheikh Batiira succumbed to diabetes in the wee hours of this morning at St. Vincent Hospital, Mengo, according to his family members.
His children say that their father was admitted to the hospital 12 days before Eid-El Fitri’s prayers while suffering from wounds and died after undergoing surgery.
His son, Umar Magezi, says that they learnt that their father was battling diabetes sickness a week towards Eid when he was admitted with wounds in the feet.
Sheikh Battira, who belonged to Uganda Muslim Tablig Community was recommended to the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje for appointment as Kadhi by the Amir Daula, Sheikh Sulaiman Kakeeto.
Hajj Yunus Kyobe, who has been working with Sheikh Batiira at Mpigi Masjid Noor since the 1990s, described him as a good leader who served faithfully both the religion and the nation as a whole.
He said that the deceased was elected because of his desire for unity and development, adding that he will be remembered for spearheading the construction of mosques and schools in the area.
Maddah Kasule, an advisor for the greater Mpigi Muslim leadership committee, said that the deceased worked for the good of the people.
Kasule said that Sheikh Batiira is praised and will be remembered for his Halal initiatives and construction of Mpigi Umea primary school.
Haji Ramathan Mugalu, the Secretary-General of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council – UMSC described Sheikh Batiira as a veteran kadhi for serving the faith for a long time.
He said that they are shocked by his demise because he was a strong pillar in the Muslim faith.
According to Mugalu, the deceased was a hardworking man, well-grounded in Islamic theology, a contributor to the faith, a preacher and was always involved in charity.
Mugalu said was an educationist who owned schools both for formal education as well as religious education. He said they are working with the lower structures and family on the burial arrangements.
Sheikh Batiira’s body is lying at his home in Kibaga Village – Ward C, Mpigi Town Council pending burial later today at Bumoozi in Butambala District.