Send your mobile money such that we do more series on “unsung Muslim heroes”to this Airtel Money number – 0701409504

Thanks Hajji Mutumba for clarifying this for us. Your relationship with late Mutumba(RIP)has helped to solve the many puzzles in my head as far as the Mutumbas are concerned. Thank you!

When the series on “unsung Muslim heroes” stopped, we started wondering what had gone wrong. You see, a lot of people on this forum love them though some are silent about it. So, when you,Hajji Mutumba, went quiet, we wondered whether you were struggling with the petrol in your car to travel to different places to dig the necessary info or something else had happened. Yes, you had earlier indicated that this process was costing you a fortune and I’m wondering whether anybody has positively responded to your call to to help out inishallah.

Please, it’s very important that the series continue for as long as possible. They are refreshing,inspiring, tickling, informative and educative. As my Tanzanian friend would say:” Tuna shukuru kwayale maneno yako olyetupa tumefaidhikanayo”!

Please post here a mobile money number here such that we send our contributions for transport. My contribution of shs.160,000 will be with you as soon as we get the number inishallah. I’m sure others will follow inishallah.

Asante!

Abbey.K.Semuwemba.
UK

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Brother Semuwemba,

Thank you my brother for supporting the ‘unsung Muslim hero’ series in all ways.
You have raised an issue that has for a long time kept me scratching my head and asking myself: how do we raise enough funds that will enable us to document all the 100+ unsung Muslim heroes on the list? Remember some of them were suggested by members on this forum.

Many of them, including sites that are historical to Islam in Uganda can be traced as far as Eastern and North Eastern Uganda, West Nile and Ankole among others.
We therefore need all the support that we can get.

We appreciate your contribution of UGX 160,000 and we urge all brothers and sisters on this forum to support this initiative. If you can, please source for us a used but functional digital camera and laptop specifically for the project.

Please send your contributions to this Airtel Money number – 0701409504.
May Allah reward you abundantly.

Thank you my brother
Haji Nsereko Mutumba.

THANK YOU THE MANAGEMENT OF,UGANDA MUSLIM BROTHERS & SISTERS.

Dear Sir,
Asalam aleikum warahmatulahi wabarakatul.

RE: Appreciation for the voting exercise.
Alhamdulillah, thanks very much for the voting exercise, indeed, this was a rehearsal, which clearly indicates that as long as we remain united, we can move mountains. This has been demonstrated in the recent voting exercise, which has been spearheaded by UMBS.

Basing my point of argument on Surat Imran verse 103, which states; and hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you and be not divided among yourselves.) This solidarity which has been demonstrated in this voting exercise making us not only number two (2) but also representative of the African continent, if applied squarely on the current scenario of the coming out by the grand Mufti Sheikh Ramadhan Mubajje, by clearly indicating, that time is long overdue for us to realize our enemies, who are fueling our division for their own benefit and henceforth unite in order to ashame them. I am optimistic, that this time round, the mufti must be taken seriously, though other circles may reason, that he has been making similar statements in the past, without fulfilling them, there could be many defences for that kind of reasoning, but in my opinion, one reason could be that, he was not given enough time, as he was always served with several court suits mostly with an aim of destabilizing him, which made it difficult for him to contemplate on his promises. Others just had their natural hatred and bias which also created more anarchy. I am very sure, this time round every sect is realizing the importance of Muslim unity, and otherwise if we don’t heed as per the above verse, we are destined for self destruction.

In my conclusion as I am winding up on this subject matter, I am optimistic, that indeed, this time round, the mufti will deliver on his long-term promises of the Muslims’ unity and modifying the UMSC constitution, which is absolutely responsible for these woos of the Muslim Community, which in my opinion was not made in good faith. My humble appeal to all those involved now in spearheading this possible golden chance of unity, our principle motto should be, if you can’t change the past, then forge the future. I am a member of the UMSC General Assembly, which in my opinion, has got members of high integrity, so, if joined by other neutrals like Kasozi Imaam, Latif Ssebagala, Dr. Abbas Kiyemba and Imaam Ahmed Ssentongo, a lot can be achieved. However, all these are my own views, which are not, in anyway representative of the UMSC position on this issue as it evolves, however the meeting of Duo at the burial could have been a blessing in disguise, so no stone should be left unturned to resolve this issue.

Kayongo Sowedi,
[Hon. Member of the UMSC general assembly,
And student Penn Foster University College, USA.

Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba was the first Muslim to open an account in Standard Bank in 1935

HAJJI SEBULIBA[ father to hajji Nsereko Sebuliba]

Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba was born in 1901, in Katooma village, Rugaaga Sub-county, Insingiro County (now Insingiro District) – Ankole Kingdom. His father was Asumani Male Bamulanzettama Omujungute son of Musuuza of Tiribogo – Buzimwa Mawokota in Buganda Kingdom. He belonged to the Ekkobe clan. His mother was Zuhura Nakate who belonged to the Enjovu (elephant) clan. She was a daughter to Mawongoma of Lwatoote village in Lwamagwa – Kooki chiefdom (Rakai District).

Bamulanzettama is one of those who took part in the religious wars under King Nuhu Kalema Kasinjo. Those who fought in defense of Islam were popularly known as Abajungute. After the defeat of Muslims in 1889, they migrated to Bukanga in Ankole under the leadership of Kawuzi, Abdallah Afende and many others. When they reached Bukanga, they fought and defeated a local chief known as Kanyabuzaana. They then settled there and started propagating Islam. They established an Islamic education center at Kyarubambura. Their leader Kawuzi was ambushed and killed by Kanyabuzaana’s men. They buried him in a nearby ditch used for making Sweet banana juice (Omubisi).

Muslims later stabilized and established Kyarubambura Primary school which remains very strong in Rugaaga Sub county and surrounding areas. The school did a lot in strengthening Muslim education in the area. Among the many Muslims who studied in the school include Haji Nsereko Mutumba the UMSC Spokesperson, Dr. Ahmad Sengendo the Rector IUIU, H.E Mull Katende – Uganda Ambassador to Ethiopia to mention but a few.

BUSINESS

Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba started cattle trading with his father in 1929. The used to buy them from different cattle gazzeted markets of Ankole and transported them on foot to Nakasozi (Buddo) abattoir. Then after the abattoirs were shifted to various locations which included Kabojja, Nalukolongo and then city abattoir and Kyetume in Kyaggwe (Mukono) respevtively. They later started transporting the animals by Lorries and other means of transport.

Haji Sebuliba was a close business associate of one Mpanga senior the father of Y. Walusimbi Mpanga, the Mayor of Kampala during Amin’s time. Mpaga was the proprietor of Mpanga Garage at Dewinton road which is the sole importer of Toyota vehicles from Japan.

After Mpanga Sr’s death, Haji Sebuliba continued to work with his successor Y. Walusimbi Mpaga of Mutundwe. He demonstrated high levels of honesty in his dealings with others. This earned him a lot of trust and wealth.

In 1930, he was among the first Ugandans to buy a motor cycle. Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba later left Mbarara and moved to Mugongo where he settled on a piece of land sold to him by his uncle Sowedi Kasumba.

In 1935 when the city abattoir was built, Haji Sebuliba was among the first traders to get a stall there. His stall was number 7. Other prominent traders who had stalls in the city abattoir were Jamanoor, a prominent Somali trader, Ali Yusuf – another Somali trader and Esau Mukasa (father of Mukasa of VIVA Enterprises), Yowasi Sebuliba and many others.

When Standard Bank was established in Uganda in 1935, Haji Sebuliba was the first Muslim to open an account in this bank and the second Ugandan after Walusimbi Mpanga. He was given an award for being one of the leading bankers.

In 1950, he left Mugongo and went to Kazinga – Kikajjo in Nsagi Subcounty, Busiiro County; where he set up his permanent home. Haji Sebuliba was among the first Ugandans to buy a brand new Chovlet car in 1950. He drove different types of cars since 1930 until he died on 11th October 1986 leaving behind a blue 250 S Mercedes Benz.

In 1960, he was among the first black Africans to own a petrol station on Salama road called Mobil Gas operated by his elder son Yusuf Kayiwa the late. In 1962, he single handedly took electricity to his area Kazinga enabling community members to connect power cheaply and easily. He used to supply meat in Nakasero, Kibuye, Mengo, Kisenyi, Katwe and other markets. This was in addition to the many butcheries that he owned including one in Nateete and another on Jinja road near African basic foods.

FAMILY

Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba had three wives. One of them was Janat Natooro, daughter to Mr Kayizi of Buddu (Masaka District). Mr. Kayizi was lucky because some of his daughters got married to very important and prominent people in Buganda and Uganda. Lady Drucila Namaganda Nabagereka got married to King Sir Daudi Chwa the father of Sir Edward Mutesa II. Janat Natooro, the young sister to Drucila got married to Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba, a prominent cattle trader and Nakalawa the younger sister to Janat Natooro got married to Leonard Basudde, a very rich businessman born in Naluzali Masaka and had one of his homes in Busega (the snakes).

Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba together with Matiya Wamala; the father in law of late President Yusuf Lule) hosted King Mutesa II in Kikajjo on several occasions. These two were very close because one of Haji Sebuliba’s sisters Norah Nassimbwa was married to Matiya.

In the 1960s, Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba was among the first Muslims to import cows from Musoma, Bukoba and Mwanza in Tanzania. These cows used to come by ship from Mwanza to port Luzira. Each ship used to carry 270 cows and he used to bring 4 ships in every month. The cows were looked after in Luzira ‘Munsiri’. He also imported cows from Kenya. These came by train.

During Amin’s time, he was one of Ugandan businessmen who used to export cows from meat parkers to Libya. At the city abattoir, Haji Sebuliba made sure that there is a special package for Sheikhs. Each Shk. was entitled to 10Ibs (5kgs) of meat every Saturday. In addition to the meat package, Haji Sebuliba helped many Sheikhs by giving them money to sustain them during their work of carrying out Islamic propagation (Daawa). Among the Sheikhs he supported were: Shk. Leeta Akubulide (former Twale Sheikh of Kyadondo), Shk. Masuudi Katabula of Namagoma, Shk. Umar Dumba – a renowned Quran reciter, Shk. Kassimu Mulumba – former Mufti, Shk. Abdu Wahab of Namagoma, Shk. Yusuf Kasujja (a prominent Juma and Zukuli cleric), Shk. Abdunoor Busulwa of Mitweetwe Butambala, Shk. Abdunoor Kawooya of Mpongo Singo (father to Shk. Lunaanoba President General Juma Zukuli group in Uganda), Shk. Male of Seeta Butambala, Shk. Abdurahman Mivule – Pioneer President General of Juma and Zukuli, Shk. Zubairi Kayongo – leader of Kibuli, Shk. Ibrahim Nkangi – former District Kadhi West Buganda and several others. He facilitated them especially during the holy month of Ramadhan to conduct Daawa programs in different Mosques and areas in the country. Although very rich, Mzee Sebuliba was humble and disciplined. He had much love and respect for Sheikhs. Sheikh Rajab Kakooza – the UMSC Director of Sharia and Shk. Umar Dumba the renowned Quran reciter can bear witness to this.

He was very instrumental in making sure that Shk. Hussein Rajab Kakooza, a Juma and Zukuli sect student attains high and sound religious education. He supported him until he attained the required qualifications and Haji Sebuliba was pleased to witness this in his lifetime. Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba had two sisters and four brothers. These included Haji Hamisi Busulwa of Jokolera – Kyaddondo, Idi Nsereko who stayed in Mbarara, Muhammad male of Kyaggwe, Aisa Nababi of Kiti-Kyadondo and Fatuma Nasimbwa.

On 25th Jan 1971, his brother Idi Nsereko of Mbarara died and left a family of 21 children 5 boys, 16 girls and 3 wives. Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba brought the entire family to his home in Kikajjo and took care of all their needs until many children finished their studies, got married and started businesses with his support. This was in addition to his own 15 children who included the author – Haji Nsereko Mutumba.

His brother Idi Nsereko left over 1000 cows and many other properties and Haji Sebuliba never tampered with them. He instead looked after the properties until the children were grown up enough to take over. He then invited Shk. Ibrahim Nkangi the then District Kadhi of West Buganda to distribute the properties to the children in line with the Sharia.

Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba contributed immensely to the development of Islam by carrying out various activities. Some of them are: Haji Sebuliba bought all the roofing materials and paid for the labour of roofing Nyendo Old Mosque in Masaka Bunyiri Mosque in Kyaggwe (Mukono), Kasangati Mosque which is currently the Twale Headquarter of Kyadondo, Namagoma Mosque (1954).

He personally facilitated Shk. Masudi Katabula to lead and conduct Islamic studies to Muslims in the Mosque. Haji Sebuliba is one of those who bought the land where Masjid Jamia in Katwe is situated. After the construction of the Mosque, he bought roofing materials, tiles and also paid for the labour of roofing and fixing tiles at the compound. At his home in Kikajjo, he built a mosque which is still operational.

1n 1982, he personally funded the surveying of the hitherto neglected 12 acres of Muslim land in Nateete Town and secured its title in the names of UMSC and handed it over to Shk. Khaabi Kinene (The then Twale Sheikh of Nateete). He removed all the squatters on this land including his own relative – Peter Nsereko who had constructed a garage on it. This land had been given to Muslims by colonialists.

Peter Nsereko and many others hated Haji Sebuliba for this action but Allah protected him from harm. He also secured land titles for the plots at the Old-Nsambu Mosque in upper Nateete area. At this place is where 60 Arabs were burnt in 1865 by the Christian army commanded by Sir Macnold. Sir Macnold is the one who replaced the famous Captain Lugard after his retirement. He was a member of the board of trustees for both Nateete town land and Nateete Nsambu Mosque. He is one of the signatories on both land titles up to now.

Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba is the one who constructed the first fully equipped classroom thereby kick starting the construction of Natete Primay School. From 1960s, when Prince Badru Kakungulu was in charge of Muslim affairs, Haji Sebuliba and Haji Nasibu Mukasa of Bweyogere, were put in charge of organizing Kibuli annual Mauledis, a task he carried out until 1972 when UMSC was formed. He concurrently used to contribute at least a 100kg bag of rice for Juma and Zukuli, Ramadhan welcoming Mauledi which is organized by Juma and Zukuli group at Kyadondo Mosque annually. He did this until his death and his family is still doing the same.

At UMSC headquarters Old Kampala, Haji Sebuliba was put in charge of procuring all food items to be served on the Mauledi, him being the main contributor of items. In 1975, Haji Ramadhan Sebuliba together with the late Haji Sultan Kareebu, Haji Nuhu Nabwaaga, Haji Hudu Matovu and others sat and decided to complete Kyadondo Mosque. They each contributed UGX 200,000 to erect the pillars on which the roof was to be made. After the pillars were erected, the roofing was eventually done by Shk. Hussein Rajab Kakooza’s effort.

Mzee Sebuliba was a family man. He loved his family and made their lives easy. He had family lawyers and family doctors. The family doctors were; Dr. Patel and Dr. Kanyerezi who later became a professor in medicine. His personal and family lawyers were; Maclin, Kazoora and company Advocates, Kasozi and Luganda Advocates and Kawanga & Kasule Advocates. As the business was expanding, some managers and accountants became fraudulent.

In 1970, he made sure that one his sons, Nsereko Mutumba (the author of this series) joins Nakawa College of Commerce (now MUBS) to study business so that eventually he can come and manage his business. He stayed there for two years and came out with a first class diploma in business studies (UDBS) and in 1973, he took over the management of the business. Some of his children are:
– The late Haji Sulaiman Mutumba – recently profiled as an unsung Muslim hero;
-The late Haji Ali Male Musuuza who has a textile shop at Nakivubo Mews;
– the late Haji Muhammad Busulwa who was a veterinary doctor and
-Shk. Muhammad Kayongo a graduate of Al-Azhar University in Egypt.

He died on 1st October 1986 and he was buried at Mugongo – Nsangi in Wakiso District next to his father Asumani Male Bamulanzettama. In the Quran 28:77, Allah says: “But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the home of the hereafter, nor forget the portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee and seek not (Occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.” Quran 9:18: “The Mosques of Allah shall be visited and maintained by such as believe in Allah and the last day, establish regular prayers and practice regular charity and fear none (at all) except Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance” Mzee Sebuliba did all that is prescribed in the Holy Quran.

He did what was worth for the earth (Duniya) and what was worth for the hereafter. He loved and respected his religious leaders; he contributed within his means to develop Islam. He loved his king and he was fortunate enough to have been an uncle to one of the most loved King Fredie as he was popularly known. He got one of his wives from a famous family where the mother of king Fredie was born.

Mzee Sebuliba was atrue Muslim who did what it takes to develop and protect Islam. According to the fore recorded Ayas (verses), he tried to fulfill the commandments of Allah as stipulated in the mentioned Suras (chapters). Basing on the above, Mzee Ramadhan Sebuliba do qualify to be a Muslim hero though unsung. Finally, I am proud to have that loving father may his soul rest in Jana.

The writer is the son to the unsung hero and the Public Relations Officer – Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Tel: 0701409504 or 0772409504 Email: pro_umsc@yahoo.com