Uganda’s Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, delivered a heartfelt tribute at the send-off of the late Hajjat Nusura Nabukalu, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Budaka, at Bugembe Blue Primary School playground on Monday, December 30, 2024.
Nabukalu tragically passed away in a road accident on December 29, 2024, and was remembered for her dedication to public service and her dignified representation of the Muslim community.
Mubajje expressed his deep sorrow upon hearing the news of Nabukalu’s death, especially as she was a respected Muslim woman in a prominent leadership position.
“I was deeply hurt to get the news of a Muslim female leader at the level of Deputy RDC dying in a road crash,” the Mufti stated, his voice filled with emotion.
He went on to highlight the respectability with which Nabukalu had conducted herself throughout her life, particularly in how she dressed.
“I was pleased by the respectable way she was dressed,” Mubajje said. “This is one of the reasons I decided to come for her send-off. Had it been some other women who don’t dress properly, people would have seen her body differently.”
Mubajje used the moment to encourage school administrators to ensure that girls are encouraged to dress appropriately.
He pointed out a concerning trend, even in some government schools, where teachers were reportedly discouraging girls from dressing modestly and covering their bodies fully.
“I encourage school administrators to encourage our girls to dress appropriately,” he said. “In some schools, even teachers are discouraging girls from covering their whole bodies, and that is wrong.”
The Mufti, who himself was an alumnus of the school where the send-off took place, urged parents to not only focus on providing their children with a good education but also ensure that they are taught the values of religion and morality.
“We must ensure that our children are given not just cellular education but also religious teachings,” he stressed.
In his condolence message, Mufti Mubajje extended his sympathy to the government and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for losing such a dedicated public servant.
“I condole with the government and with President Museveni in particular for losing such a good servant who was loyal and committed to her country,” he remarked.
As the mourners gathered to pay their respects, the Mufti also appealed to the government to replace Nabukalu with another Muslim servant, ensuring continued representation of the Muslim community in important leadership roles.
“We pray that the government replaces her with another capable Muslim servant,” he added.
Hajjat Nusura Nabukalu was set to be laid to rest later that evening at the Jinja City Muslim Cemetery, where family, friends, and the community would bid her a final farewell.
The heartfelt tributes and calls for unity, respect, and proper conduct echoed throughout the gathering, leaving a lasting impact on all those who attended.
