1- Introductory Story
A certain European (Mzungu) visited some part of South Africa. As he toured in one of the countries (it could have been Botswana), he watched children playing a game with what seemed like regular stones. On closer observation, however, the Mzungu discovered that the stones children were using in their game, were actually not ordinary stones and pebbles, but were precious stones – diamonds! Without revealing to the children what type of “stones” they were, he tricked the children that he exchanges the diamonds with shiny beads. Innocently, the children accepted and traded their diamonds with ordinary cheap beads; and the Mzungu took the diamonds, which made him wealthy! The children had all the riches in their hands, but they were ignorant of what they used as toys for the game.
In this article, the writer intends to briefly illustrate the life achievements of three great men of God, that I consider to have been gems – even though some people may at the time of their leadership in Greater Ankole, were oblivious of how preciously they would be remembered to have been before they were called to God. I want to posit that the three men, namely: Bishop John Baptist Kakubi (Catholic), Bishop Amos Betungura (Anglican/Protestant), and Sheikh Kadhuyu (Moslem), all Banyankore pioneer leaders in Greater Ankole of the time, were unique icons and heroes as persons and leaders. Even though one of the prominent religious leaders of our time, when asked what he thought of these three men, said that “as pioneer leaders of their time, they had to exhibit a façade of unity, but they had their own weaknesses and shortcomings as leaders”, my position is that if the so called “façade” enabled them to unify the three faith beliefs, so be it! There is a Runyankore saying (commonly shared among the Bantu cultures), which goes: “[Amaino] agari hamwe nigo gaata eigufa”, literally meaning that that “the teeth that bite together are the ones that have the capacity to break through a bone!” And another saying with the same meaning runs: “Engaro ibiri n’okunabisana!” (which literally means that “two hands wash each other” – one hand cannot was itself! The lesson from these traditional sayings is that “unity is strength”; it is easy for one to fall, but together we are strong and we can build each other. It is from this background that I would like to build my reflection on what I have chosen three triplet icons of Greater Ankole, leaders that led an exemplary and inspiring lives. All the three are now deceased, but their memory lives on.
2- The Three Native Leaders: their Leadership Qualities and Achievements.
Let us now briefly look at the life history of each one, without delving deeply into the details and intricacies of their individual lives. In the following section, we are going to depend on some scanty works available, and also from the testimony of social media – written especially as epitaphs following their demise.
A) Bishop John Baptist Kakubi: A Compassionate and Zealous Shepherd
Here is a brief history of Bishop John Baptist Kakubi, as presented in the message of condolence and testimony from the Catholic Bishops of Uganda (Uganda Episcopal Conference), posted by Uganda Catholic Secretariat, after the demise of the beloved shepherd: “ Bishop John Baptist Kakubi (87yrs) the Emeritus of Mbarara passed on. A MEMORIAL MASS WAS HELD AT 10.00 AM AT LUBAGA CATHEDRAL ON FRIDAY 12TH FEB, 2016. THEREAFTER, HIS BODY WAS TAKEN TO MBARARA WHERE A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL WAS HELD ON SATURDAY AT 12 NOON AT NYAMITANGA CATHEDRAL. HE WAS LAID TO REST IN ST. JOSEPH's CHAPLE.
Rt. Rev. John Baptist Kakubi is the Bishop Emeritus of Mbarara which he led from 1969 to 1991. He is the third ordinary and first indigenous African bishop of Mbarara who took over from Bishop Jean Marie Ogez who succeeded Bishop Lacoursiere F.X. first Bishop of Mbarara. Kakubi was born on 23rd September 1929 at Birunduma, Bukanga, in Mbarara District. He was baptized on 25th December 1929 and confirmed in the Catholic Faith on 12th June 1939. Kakubi attended Primary School at Birunduma from 1939 to 1941, and Nyamitanga Primary School from 1942 to 1943. He, then joined St. Francis Xavier Kitabi Minor Seminary in 1944 to 1950. “We are deeply saddened by his death. He will be greatly missed!”
For more details on his life history, Cfr: John Baptist Kakubi, Memoirs of a Priestly and Episcopal Life, Fountain Publishers, Kampala – Uganda, 2010, pp. 1-199.
As a person, Bishop Kakubi exhibited admirable human qualities. He dearly loved his flock, from the youngest to the most senior. For instance he never put aside, nor let go of a letter without a reply, be it from a child, a youngster or an adult. He made sure that he answered every correspondence that was placed on his desk. He equally loved and paid attention to all those who came to him with their joys and sorrows, young and old; everyone got a listening ear from him.
Bishop Kakubi was particularly close to his parents, relatives and friends, and paid them regular visits. He gave attention to his age mates and peer groups, who used to call on him in the office or at his Diocesan residence. He conducted many baptisms, even as a bishop and witnessed to many marriages. He reached out to the bereaved families, and presided over funerals, when some members of his flock lost their loved ones. Most of all was quite close to the priests, treated them with great respect, and cherished their work as his pastoral agents in the ministry. He called them “Boojo” or “Aboojo bangye” (my boys)! He became friends with many of his priests, and treated those who erred with understanding and great compassion.
Bishop Kakubi also loved to throw parties, for priests, religious and even lay people; sometimes he would invite them to go for picnics, as a gesture of sharing fraternity. He was a man who knew how to balance administrative and pastoral work with occasions of taking off some time to rest, and vacationing, almost every month, or after some months of hard work. At certain times he would get upset and flare up, if he saw people (co-workers, liars, and erroneous characters). He was quick however, to ask for forgiveness and get reconciled with those he knew he had hurt – something that is unavoidable with people in leadership positions. Bishop Kakubi was also courageous: when wars and killings were going on around him, he never fled to take refuge elsewhere; he chose to remain at his Episcopal residence with a small circle of priests, up to the time the chaos subsided. Above all, those who knew Bishop Kakubi, lived and worked with him, can testify that he was indeed a compassionate shepherd. The list of his merits is endless and inexhaustible, especia but we must keep it within the small scope of this article.
On the side of zeal for the pastoral ministry, Bishop Kakubi was a true imitator of Jesus Christ and St. Paul. Like Jesus, he was endowed with zeal for the Father’s house. “Zeal for my Fathers house consumes me”, says Jesus to his followers (John 2:17; Cfr. Psalm 69:9). Perhaps, often Bishop Kakubi would even spend sleeplessness nights, his mind preoccupied by the care of the Churches (Christian communities), after the example of St. Paul who says: “…in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief?…” (2 Corinthians 11:27-29). What a beautiful text that applies to Bishop Kakubi as well!
As the first native Bishop, who took after the white Missionaries (White Fathers), who tended to be disciplined, and famous for keeping time, Bishop Kakubi closely followed in their footsteps in this regard. Plus, he did not want to lower the high standard of dedication to pastoral ministry, lest he brings shame to the native clergy.
It is that kind of zeal that led Bishop Kakubi to make pastoral visits to almost every Parish, every Centre and even some Hiikas around the Diocese of the time.
During such visits, he would give Pastors of souls, to listen to their concerns; he would check on parish records, and see whether those records were done appropriately. Each year he made sure he visited both Minor and Major Seminarian, and met finalist individually; he loved seminarians!
Bishop Kakubi also had the rare gift of being innovative. He started many schools and institutions of learning, including Vocational boys training schools like St. Joseph’s Vocational School; St. Cecilia Girls Vocational School – aiming at promoting vocations to priesthood and religious life, and to supplement St. Mukasa-Mushanga Preparatory Seminary, and Kitabi Minor Seminary.
Bishop Kakubi was behind the founding of Eucharistic Centres (with their lay Eucharistic ministers); he introduced the reception of Holy Communion on the hands, side by side receiving it on the tongue; he attempted promoting Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs)/Small Christian Communities (Emigongo), even though with time, this innovation started limping in some Parishes.
Bishop Kakubi was also a writer. He wrote an autobiography, which we hinted on earlier, and translated some parts of the Breviary (Morning and Evening Prayerbook) into the Runyankore language. His pastoral ministry was boosted by his dedication to regular prayer life, so much so that his spiritual demeanour/aura around him – was constantly attractive to many, admired it, and sought to emulate his example. He was also a passionate and down to earth preacher, preaching from the heart and touching many lives. One can go on and on, but I am sure after his demise, the good Lord might have received him with the words, “Welcome my good and faithful servant…” (Quote); and hopefully he is enjoying eternal bliss in God’s Kingdom.
B) Bishop Amos Betungura: the Man who Sung Praise to God in Word and Action
Let us begin by considering a brief history of yet another capable and exemplary leader in the history of Greater Ankole.
Betungura was born in 1927 at Kabingo, Buhanama, Itojo, Ruhama, in Ntungamo District. He was the fourth born of Mariza and Isaaka Ruteerana.
He started school in 1936 after his brother, Zaburoni Kafeeraki, who was then a teacher at the Elementary Vernacular School at Ruharo, enrolled him. Betungura later excelled in his primary education studies and won himself the Ankole Kingdom Scholarship after completing Ankole Primary Leaving Examinations. “This scholarship enabled him to study at Mbarara High school, Ruharo, from Primary Five up to Junior Secondary I-III. It is where he accepted Jesus as his Saviour”, according to the biographical profile contained in the burial order of service book. Betungura later joined Mukono Teacher Training College where he qualified as a primary school teacher and taught in different schools in South-western Uganda.
In 1951 he wedded Constance who died in 1996. He later married Jolly.
In 1955 Bishop Betungura resigned from Public Service to join church ministry. He joined Bishop Tucker Theological College in Mukono to train for priesthood. As a priest, he served the church at Mukono and Kabale theological colleges. He also studied at the London College of Divinity before he was appointed Principal of the Bishop Tucker Theological College.
In 1970 Betungura was consecrated Bishop of East Ankole, a position he held until 1992 when he retired. Betungura, 81, died on November 28 at Mayanja Memorial Hospital in Mbarara after succumbing to prostate cancer following a long illness. He was buried on November 30 at St. James Cathedral in Ruharo, Mbarara Municipality, where he served as bishop for 22 years since 1970. He was buried at the Saint James Cathedral in Ruharo. The fallen bishop is survived by the widow, Jolly, three daughters and eight grand-children.
A word about Bishop Betungura’s pastoral ministry and achievements. A cross-section were not fully aware of, or appreciate what type of man Bishop Betungura was, the kind of treasure they had in their midst as Church of Uganda, and the whole country at large. It is after his demise that mourners came to learn more about the life of this great man of God, especially by listening to the testimonies of those who spoke well of him. In this section, I wish to borrow a leaf from such testimonies, in order to highlight Bishop Betungura’s rare qualities as a person and as a leader.
One of the solid witness accounts on the Bishop’s life comes from a news reporter of The New Vision, entitled, “Ankole loses language icon! (December 10, 2008). The reporter who writes from Mbarara says: “Many people, including members of other religious denominations, agree that the late Bishop Amos Bentungura of East Ankole Diocese was a unifying factor who brought harmony between Anglicans and other religions.” President Museveni one of those who described Betungura as a unifying factor.
“He was a friend to all, regardless of creed, and was a major unifying factor between the Catholic and Anglican Churches. He has left behind a challenging legacy,” Museveni said in a condolence message to the widow, Jolly.
The praises came even from the most unlikely quarters.
“I am a Muslim but Bishop Betungura gave me counsel on family life that up to now is my daily guide,” said Muhamood Abudulai of Ruharo. He added: “I was brought up in Ruharo, near the diocese, and I want to assert that most of the church projects you see around were initiated by Betungura”. [emphases added].
In his retirement, Betungura didn’t sit idly by; he authored several books on teaching the Runyankore language and also started a radio programme, Yega kandi omanye orurimi rwaawe (Learn and get to know your language) at Radio West. The programme still runs on the Mbarara-based radio station.
In his eulogy, Museveni said: “Uganda has lost one of her most experienced theologian, a man of versatility”. The President added: “The late Bishop Amos Betungura was a writer, a teacher, a marriage counselor and a theologist”.
The President further noted that Betungura had written several books about the history of Ankole, marriage and children’s stories.
Besides his writing and teaching with great passion, Betungura was a strong member of the Nkore Cultural Trust (NCT), a pro-Obugabe (Ankole monarchy) organisation. The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, described Betungura as a hero. “He is a hero; I became what am through the imitative of Betungura.”
Source: https://www.observer.ug/component/content/article?id=1807:ankole-loses-language-icon
Another media reporter had the following to say about the Late Bishop, under the title “Bishop Betungura buried”
By Vision Reporter (By Felix Basiime)
Added 3rd December 2008 03:00 AM
“PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has described the late bishop, Amos Betungura, as a unifying factor between Anglicans and other religions.
He said this at a funeral service at St. James Cathedral Ruharo in Mbarara town on Sunday. He was a friend to all, regardless of creed. He has left behind a challenging legacy, Museveni said in his condolence message read by Mbarara municipality MP John Kigyagi.
Museveni said Uganda had lost one of her most experienced theologians, teachers, counsellors and writers.
He said his discussions on marriage, culture and Christian life inspired many and revived the Ankole culture.
Museveni also gave sh3m. The widow, Jolly, thanked the President for his support. Betungura wrote several books about the history of Ankole, marriage, children stories and translated several others into local languages.
The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, Luke Orombi, described Betungura as a hero.
Finally, there is a lead anthem (hymn) on the lips of almost every Anglican believer that is borrowed from the Luganda language that goes: “Tukutendereza Yesu, Yesu oli Mwana gwa ndiga; omusaayi, omusaayi gwo gunazizza; nebaza Yesu Omulokozi…” (We sing praise to you, who is the Lamb [of God], whose blood cleanses [us]; I thank [you] Jesus [my] Saviour). Perhaps there are Anglicans out there who routinely bellow out this song, from their lips but not their hearts. That was not the case with Bishop Betungura: the many years he lived, worshipped and served God as a religious leader in the Anglican Church of Uganda, he sung this song in voice and action. May Bishop Amos Betungura rest with God!
C) Kadhi Sheikh Abdu Noor Kaduyu: A Moslem of Allah with no Guile!
A Brief History on Kadhi Sheikh Abdu Noor Kaduyu.
Who was Kaduyu? Sheikh Abdu Noor Kaduyu was born in 1930 in Butare village, Bushenyi district. His father was late Asinani Lwabugabwa. His uncle Ramadhan Kangwomunda Byaribasika was among the first people in the then Igara county to embrace Islam and later inspired Kaduyu’s father Lwabugabwa to join Islam. He was born in 1930 in Butare village, Kyamuhunga Sub-county, Igara County (Bushenyi District). He is a Munyankore by tribe originating from Abahweju clan. His father was late Muwalimu Asinani Lwabugabwa. His Grandfather was Rwenduuru son of Katwiire son of Kagolo. His mother was late Hajati Asiati Beijugumbya from Abahiira clan. He (Shk. Kaduyu) was the first Munyankole to be taught by the late His Eminence Shk. Swaibu Semakula (Shk Mukulu).
Sheikh Kaduyu’s home was in Kitwe village, Kyeizooba Sub County, Igara County near Rwentuha town (Bushenyi District).
In 1958, Kaduyu was elected Igara county sheikh and confirmed by the late Prince Badru Kakungulu.
In 1963, Kaduyu was ordained sheikh by the late Sheikh Swaib Ssemakula and hence became the first formally ordained sheikh in Ankole and Kigezi.
In 1964, Kakungulu appointed him deputy district Kadhi of Ankole and Kigezi Muslim districts.
In 1967, he was appointed substantive district Kadhi of Ankole and Kigezi.
He was among the first members of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council general assembly following its establishment in 1972 and participated in the drafting of the UMSC constitution.
When Kigezi acquired Muslim district status, Kaduyu became the Ankole district Kadhi and later headed the Mbarara Muslim district.
Initially, Ankole and Kigezi was one Muslim district but it is currently split into seven Muslim districts: Bushenyi, Rukungiri, Ntungamo, Ibanda, Kigezi, Kisoro and Mbarara. Kaduyu served as the district Kadhi from 1967 until 2010 when he voluntarily retired.
Kaduyu was involved in a number of Muslim development projects, including the construction of a number of mosques, most notable of which is Nyamitanga Mosque in Mbarara Municipality.
At the time of his death, he was involved in the construction of Madrasat Noor Primary School in Nyamitanga Division.
According to his son, Muhsin Kaduyu, the veteran Muslim cleric died of heart failure at about 5:00am on Friday. He died while being rushed to Mayanja Memorial Hospital. Hajj Karim Karisa said, Kaduyu will be buried on Saturday at 2:00pm at Butare village, Kyamuhunga Sub County in Bushenyi district. Sheikh Kaduyu is survived by a widow and over 20 children.
Source: https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1489204/mbarara-district-kadhi-kaduyu-dies
[Here is a more elaborate account on the Sheikh’s life history: In 1967, Prince Badru Kakungulu elevated him to a substantive District Kadhi of Ankole and Kigezi; thus becoming the first Munyankore Sheikh to become a District Kadhi of Ankole and Kigezi.
In 1972, he was among the prominent Muslims who founded UMSC, as a pioneer member of the first UMSC General Assembly.
He was among the people who made the first UMSC constitution which was promulgated on 20th October 1972. In the same year, Kigezi acquired Muslim District status making Shk. Kaduyu the District Kadhi of Ankole later on Mbarara Muslim District.
Originally Ankole and Kigezi was one Muslim District but it has now been split into seven Muslim districts, namely: Bushenyi, Rukungiri, Ntungamo, Ibanda, Kigezi, Kisoro and Mbarara.
He served as district Kadhi from 1967 to 2010 when he voluntarily retired and handed over peacefully to the incumbent District Kadhi of Mbarara Muslim District Shk. Ramadhan Khamis.
Sheikh Abdunoor Kaduyu is blessed with 31 children and as an advocate of education, he practiced what he preaches by educating his children in both secular and Islamic/theological studies. Eighteen of his children have degrees from several universities including our very own IUIU. Six of his children have diplomas from different tertiary institutions. He has two Sheikhs – Shk. Murshid Kaduyu a graduate from Al Azhar Sharif University in Egypt and Mohsin Nuwagaba a graduate from Bilal Islamic Institute in Kakiri.
Two of his daughters; Hosna Natukunda and Sulaina Kaduyu are Sheikhats. They both graduated from Bilal Islamic Institute – Kakiri
In the course of his service as a District Kadhi (1967-2010), Sheikh Kaduyu was instrumental in addressing the many challenges that were faced by Muslims in Ankole and Kigezi].
Sheikh Kaduyu’s Achievements as a Muslim Leader
According to Home News reporter, Nuwagaba, the founding father and team leader of Allied Muslim Youth Uganda said the Sheikh, who recently translated the Qur'an into Runyankore dialect, [was a great leader with unequalled talents]…Kaduyu recently said the translation of the Muslim holy book was necessary to simplify the message for the faithful who do not understand the Arabic language.
“We have had a lot of challenges regarding the translation of the Qur’an because most of our people do not know Arabic. Therefore, I decided to simplify it for those who speak Runyankore for easy understanding of the message,” Kaduyu told New Vision in July.
There are 114 chapters in the Qur'an, which is written in the old Arabic dialect. At the time of Kaduyu’s death, he was looking for money to print copies of the Runyankole version for distribution to Muslims for proper understanding of the Islamic laws and principles.
Translations of the Qur'an exist in over 40 languages but Muslims are still taught to learn and recite it in Arabic, even if this is not their native language and they cannot converse in it.
Translations are regarded by Muslims as new versions of the holy book, rather than as translations in the conventional sense.
Sheikh Kadhuyu Eulogized
According to Dr Anas Kalisa, the former vice-rector of the Islamic University in Uganda in Mbale, Kaduyu was an advocate of unity among Muslims in Uganda.
Kaassim Kayira, a former BBC employee, posted on his Facebook page, saying, “Death has occurred of one of the most revered Sheikhs in Uganda and especially in Ankole region. No way you could ever mention Islam and its trials and tribulations without mentioning Sheikh Kaduyu, may his soul rest in peace.”
Kayira, who is currently working at Azam TV, added: “It is one life that I can attest has been lived to the full. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him the ultimate aboard in paradise. Ameen.”
Muslims mourn veteran sheikh Kaduyu
By Farooq Kasule, Abbey Ramadhan
Added 9th November 2018 06:12 PM
Mutumba said, Kaduyu was the first Muslim from Ankole and Kigezi to become a Sheikh.
At the time of his death Kaduyu, 88, had embarked on the process of translating the Quran into Runyakitara.
Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), spokesperson Hajj Nsereko Mutumba described Kaduyu as one of the Muslim unsung heroes who he said worked hard towards the spread of Islam in the Western region. He survived with over 20 children.
Kaduyu was among the people who came up with the UMSC constitution which was promulgated on October 20, 1972.
He served as district Kadhi from 1967 to 2010 when he voluntarily retired.
Kaduyu has been very instrumental in addressing challenges faced by Muslims in Ankole and Kigezi.
Mutumba said, Kaduyu was the first Muslim from Ankole and Kigezi to become a Sheikh.
Finally, as a tribute to this Moslem leader, we can borrow the words of his son. “From Allah (God) we came and to Him we shall return. May Allah be pleased with your soul my dear Dad. May Allah grant you Jannah (Paradise). I thank Allah for the years he has given him to us,” he posted on his Facebook page.
Take your time and read, he said, pray to the late Sheikh and think of what to have done for Islam compared to these men….Oh Allah forgive Sheikh Abdunoor Kaduyu”
The rest on the history and achievements of Sheikh Kaduyu is being appended in italics at the end of the article, plus websites for further research.
3- The Three Icons: Points of Commonality
The common denominators that brought these three heroes together and unified them to the level of being considered triplets are probably the following;
i) God’s providence and timing
The history of Christianity (preceded by the Old Testament) and other Major religions indicates that at His own timing and according to His Providence, God raises among his people Prophets, men and women of vision, able to read the signs of the times and pave for His people a way forward in the history of salvation. In this sense, many of the readers of this article will agree with me that the era of transition from the Missionary Church/religion (in the case of Islam) to the Local Church/religion, needed leaders with vision and stamina, like Bishop Kakubi, Amos Betungura, and Sheikh Kaduyu, to offer guidance – as natives of Greater Ankole transitioned from the Colonial period and Ministers from outside. This was, I believe, God’s doing! And these leaders did fulfil the mission entrusted to them, the best they could.
ii) A common traditional background and shared cultural roots
Besides being sent by God, the said triplets had the advantage of having a common background and shared cultural roots. All the three were natives of Great Ankole (commonly known as “Kaarokarungi”), and they were all Banyankore, even if they originated from varying corners of the then Ankole. They spoke the same native tongue, namely Runyankore. These shared elements helped in bringing them together, and to build team work based on friendship.
iii) Friendship among the Triplets.
The three icons indeed became and remained friends, right from the beginning of their leadership career, to the end of their lives. Basking on their fraternity, the three used to regularly visit each other, even on casual basis. They attended each other’s religious and ceremonial functions; many came to see them as brothers in the ministry. Sheikh Kaduyu and Bishop Betungura, used to attend ceremonies and festivities on Nyamitanga Hill, up to the time they died. I also remember that even during the years before he passed on, Bishop Kakubi used to periodically call on Constance, the wife of the Late Bishop Amos Betungura, for a chat. That is how remarkable their friendship and fraternity was!
iv) Shared Outlook, and Determined efforts towards Ecumenical Dialogue and Inter-Religious Relations
By looking at their closeness, many among the Anglican denomination began to drop their prejudices and bigotry towards Catholics, and vice versa. The Moslem community equally began to be friendly towards the Christians. We know that unity does not come in one day; it needs constant grooming and nurturing. But we owe the three leaders credit for the work they did in this regard.
All these strong perspectives gave the three men of God the courage to think outside the box, and overcome the temptations of prejudice. Even thought they were not highly learned people, or intellectuals in the academic sense, their conviction based on faith, helped them to brave through trials and tribulations of times of turbulence. Their admirable personalities made them simple and approachable as leaders of God’s flock; they also maintained personal integrity, including leading spiritual and exemplary lives.
4- Conclusion
We began this article with a story, and I would like to end it with another one from African Traditional Society.
The Story of three brothers and three Sticks
An aged man lay on his deathbed. Realising that his earthly life was coming to an end, he summoned his three sons to come to him, so that he could give them an important message before he passed on. When they came to him, he asked the youngest son to bring a long stick. The son obliged. He then asked the youngest son to break the stick into two pieces, something the youngest son did without much effort. Then he asked the second son, older than the younger to combine the two broken sticks together and break them. With a little more effort, the middle born son tried his best and he broke the two sticks into four pieces. Then the father instructed the eldest son to put the four sticks together and break them at one go; the eldest son failed to do so. At the end of the exercise, the dying father told his three sons: “As you can see, I am soon dying, but the lesson I would like to leave with you, comes from the demonstration of the sticks I asked you to break. When the stick was only one, it was effortlessly easy to break; when they became two, breaking the two was a little harder; when they became four, even your elder brother, the strongest could not break them. My dear sons, once you stay united, nothing will ever break you; but if you live singly and divided, you’ll easily break down in the face of life’s challenges. So stay united..And he breathed his last! The story speaks for itself!
Finally, as a way of winding up, let me dare throw out a few additional remarks. I dare say that one of the biggest and most crucial challenges among Church and faith beliefs leadership, and among government and civil leaders, is the need to promote unity among themselves first, and then sowing that good seed among their followers. All leaders in contemporary society, have no choice, but to think outside the box, push frontiers of unity and peace in our nation. As the saying goes, “one can never discover new oceans, unless s/he has the courage to leave the shore!” And again, as the Runyankore saying puts it, “Akaana katagyenda kati maama ateeka gye” (“The child that has never visited other families, thinks that his/her mother is the best cook!” We are all children of the Kingdom of God, and we have the formidable task and duty to learn from each other – especially from people who do not belong to our Christian communities or faith beliefs. Can we, then, to look unto the example of the said icons and heroes, and follow in their footsteps?
Fr. Bonaventure Turyomumazima
Nyabuhaama-Biharwe, Mbarara
Sunday, 27 October 2019.
4- APPENDIX:
Some additional information on Sheikh Kaduyu:
As a Muslim leader, Shk. Kaduyu was focused; open to new ideas and cooperative with fellow leaders in other religious denominations and political establishment. These attributes enabled him to accomplish a lot for Muslims in Ankole and Kigezi; and later on Mbarara.
Many Mosques including the main mosque in Nyamitanga were constructed out of his initiative. To guarantee Muslim ownership of Nyamitanga Mosque, he processed and secured the land title for the Mosque.He was also behind the construction of Kawempe Masjid Abubakar Jami, Ruharo Mosque and Ruti Mosque- all in Mbarara.
Education:
Prior to his appointment as the District Kadhi of Ankole, there were only 7 Muslim founded schools. He however managed to mobilise Muslims, solicit support and advocate for Muslim education and as we talk now, there are over 100 Muslim founded primary and secondary schools in Mbarara Muslim District. Some of the primary schools established out of his initiative are Bushenyi p/s, Rwentuha p/s, Ishaka p/s, Butare p/s, Nyamatoongo p/s, Madrasat Hamza p/s, Madrasat Noor p/s to mention but a few.
The Secondary Schools include, Nyamitanga S.S, Shuhadae S.S and Aisha Girls S.S.
Technical Schools include Rweiziringiro Technical College.
He is known as a supporter of adult education and an ardent campaigner of girl child education.
Health Development:
The UMSC Health Center in Mbarara was established during Sheikh Kaduyu’s leadership as a District Kadhi. He has been a champion in fighting HIV/AIDS in partnership with several organisations which include TASO, PSI AIC and of recent, IRCU (Inter Religious Council of Uganda)
Promoting Unity:
His participating in the formation of UMSC, the making of the UMSC constitution was inspired by his desire for Muslim Unity. He remains a strong advocate of Muslim unity under the umbrella of UMSC. He is also a supporter of inter faith dialogue.
Development:
In his entire period of service, Shk. Kaduyu has been mobilizing people to initiate self-help projects in farming and business. As a result, many Muslims in Ankole have been able to acquire wealth, educate their children and set up institutions that are benefiting many.
Sheikh Kaduyu is now a retired senior District Kadhi living in Kitwe village, Kyeizooba Sub County, Igara County near Rwentuha town (Bushenyi District) where he has a large banana planation and a dairy farm. He also has a large cattle farm and a tea plantation at Kyamuhunga – Igara County – Bushenyi District.
He remains a leader in other capacities; for example he is the chairperson of Ankole Cultural Trust and a great fun of culture and sports.
He also remains a strong advocate of development, hard worker, education, unity and diversity.
He and several others are currently on a task of translating the Quran into Runyakore. We pray that Allah enables them to accomplish this task.
The fact that since the inception of Islam in Uganda in 1844 to 1964, all Sheikhs were sent from Buganda to lead Ankole and Kigezi. Among those were Shk. Muhammad Male of Butambala and Sheikh Zukkusooka to mention but a few. Sheikh Kaduyu was the first Muslim from Ankole and Kigezi to become a Sheikh, a Deputy District Kadhi and a substantive District Kadhi; and the fact that it was during his leadership that Islam and Muslims in Ankole developed the most especially in the area of education and other sectors, he therefore qualifies to be a Muslim hero, though unsung.
Life And Works Of Deceased Former Mbarara District Kadhi, Sheikh Abdunoor Kaduyu
BY SARAH KAGINGO | 702 VIEWS | UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 9TH, 2018 AT 19:55
The Muslim community in Uganda is mourning renowned Muslim cleric, and former District Kadhi of Mbarara, Sheikh Abdunoor Kaduyu who died on Friday at the age of 88.
faith in Ankole died due to a heart failure. His son, Muhsin Kaduyu told SoftPower News that his father died at around 5am on Friday as he was being moved from his residence in Kakoba, Mbarara to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
Abdunoor Kaduyu dedicated much of his lifetime to Islam, serving the community and fostering unity both within his faith and beyond.
He will among other things be remembered for championing the process of translating the Quran into Runyakore. He became the first Muslim from Ankole and Kigezi to become a Sheikh, a Deputy District Kadhi and a substantive District Kadhi (from 1967 to 2010). Sheikh Kaduyu used his tenure to especially advocate for education among Muslims.
A number of mosques including the main mosque in Nyamitanga were constructed out of his initiative. Other mosques whose establishment he oversaw was Kawempe Masjid Abubakar Jami, Ruharo Mosque and Ruti Mosque – all in Mbarara.
The most outstanding of his attributes is however his role as an agent of unity among the Muslims. He participated in the formation of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and the making of the UMSC constitution, both of which were inspired by his desire for Muslim unity. He was also a supporter of inter faith dialogue.
Many who knew Sheikh Kaduyu described him as a strong advocate for development and economic empowerment. He mobilized people to initiate self-help projects in farming and business. As a result, many Muslims in Ankole have been able to acquire wealth, educate their children and set up institutions that are benefiting many.
“He is one of the longest serving Muslim cleric in the Muslim community. He has a lot about him. I don’t know where to start and where to stop,” Muhsin Kaduyu told this website of his father.
He said that his father was a calm gentleman who promoted unity among the Moslems and also promoting interfaith dialogue especially Western Uganda.
“Sheikh Kaduyu was an honest person. He was never a double sided person. He respected everyone regardless of age or religion. He welcomed everyone at home. We grew up knowing that everyday we would have a visitor”.
He further described his late father as having been very selfless. This, he said, had to do with his string attachment to
his heritage and culture, but most of all his role as the first Munyankole Muslim leader.
Muhsin said that the life of his father should be a lesson to Muslims especially on the importance of unity, selflessness and serving God not worldly things.
“He always wanted unity among the Moslem community. So this is a challenge for Moslems to reflect and know it is important to come together, because this is what he wanted”.
Sheikh Abdunoor Kaduyu will be laid to rest on Saturday in Rwentuha, Bushenyi district.
Sheikh Abdunoor Kaduyu was born in 1930 in Butare village, Kyamuhunga Subcounty, Igara County in Bushenyi district.
In his retirement, Sheikh Kaduyu was involved in farming in Bushenyi district where he had large banana and planations as well as a dairy farm.
May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant him everlasting Jannah.
President Museveni: Sheikh Kaduyu was a Principled Man
Anthony Kushaba - 11 Nov 2018, 10:27
Uganda’s first Munyakore sheikh dies
POSTS BY JAVIRA SSEBWAMI | PML DAILY STAFF WRITER
MBARARA- Sheikh Abdunoor Kaduyu, the former District Khadi who originates from the Abahweju clan has died after he succumbed to cardiac arrest.
Kaduyu, the Munyankore who has ordained Sheikh in Ankole and Kigezi is also renowned for his advocacy for development, unity, education, and well-being of all Ugandans.
He will be buried on Saturday in his village Kitwe in Rwentuha town council in Bushenyi district.
He is also among the founding members of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and also the pioneer member of the first UMSC general assembly.
In 1963, Kaduyu was ordained as Sheikh and in 1964 he was appointed by Prince Badru Kakungulu, as the Deputy District Khadhi of Ankole and Kigezi.
In 1967 he was elevated to a substantive district Khadhi of Ankole and Kigezi, a place he served in until his retirement in 2010.
He is also known for supporting education and during his time many schools were established including Nyamitanga SS, Shuhadae SS, Aisha Girls, Rweiziringiro Technical College among others.
Hajji Jamir Bakyase, a prominent Muslim in Mbarara, said they praise Kaduyu for the big role he played with others in formulating the first UMSC constitution which was promulgated in 1972.
b) Websits for Furthher Research
A) Sheikh Kaduyu
See attached:
1-https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1489204/mbarara-district-kadhi-kaduyu-dies
2- https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1489220/muslims-mourn-veteran-sheikh-kaduyu
3- http://www.sunrise.ug/news/201811/the-life-and-works-of-sheik-abdunoor-kaduyu.html
4- https://www.softpower.ug/life-and-works-of-deceased-former-mbarara-district-kadhi-sheikh-abdunoor-kaduyu/
5- https://ugandaradionetwork.com/story/president-museveni-sheikh-kaduyu-was-a-principled-man
6- http://www.pmldaily.com/news/2018/11/ugandas-first-munyakore-sheikh-dies.html
7- https://mknewslink.com/hundreds-send-off-sheikh-kaduyu/
8- https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Full-Woman/I-admire-empathise-single-mothers/689842-4210392-view-asAMP-xp3l3y/index.html
9- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a_N32vzWGqw
B) Bishop Amos Betunguura
1- https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1175658/bishop-betungura-buried
2- http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/amosbetungura/MemorialSite.aspx
3- https://www.observer.ug/component/content/article?id=1807:ankole-loses-language-icon
4- https://www.observer.ug/component/content/article?id=1807:ankole-loses-language-icon
5- https://allafrica.com/stories/200812010318.html
6- http://allsaintskampala.org/northwest-ankole-diocese-a-fulfillment-of-late-archbishop-luwums-prophecy/
7-
http://allsaintskampala.org/northwest-ankole-diocese-a-fulfillment-of-late-archbishop-luwums-prophecy/
8- https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Life/My-five-years-bishop/689856-2793422-view-asAMP-rwtfnb/index.html
9- https://books.google.co.ug/books/about/Beginnings_of_prosperity.html?id=j3jZAAAAMAAJ&hl=en
10- https://books.google.co.ug/books?id=2CElDwAAQBAJ&pg=PR10&lpg=PR10&dq=bishop+Amos+betungura&source=bl&ots=i9EbDe7fqI&sig=ACfU3U3_x8LitbiCJFW-xE90h7fWiSTyeA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjmnabAkP7kAhUYAWMBHYAZBR8Q6AEwCHoECAIQAQ#v=onepage&q=bishop%20Amos%20betungura&f=false
11- https://books.google.co.ug/books?id=-oQuDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA479&lpg=PA479&dq=bishop+Amos+betungura&source=bl&ots=g-Hf9jxjvx&sig=ACfU3U2iyARmEih1rg7xqVB5W7tXZdyg1Q&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjmnabAkP7kAhUYAWMBHYAZBR8Q6AEwCXoECAEQAQ#v=onepage&q=bishop%20Amos%20betungura&f=false
C) Bishop John Baptist Kakubi
1- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Baptist_Kakubi
2- https://www.archdioceseofmbarara.org.ug/about/bishop/archbishop-john-baptist-kakubi
3- http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bkakubi.html
4- https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1416942/bishop-john-baptist-kakubi-passes-86
5- https://www.redpepper.co.ug/celebrating-the-life-of-rt-rev-bishop-emeritus-john-baptist-kakubi/amp/
6- https://thestandarducu.wordpress.com/tag/bishop-john-baptist-kakubi/
7- https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Bishop-Kakubi-laid-rest-school-chapel/688334-3076784-4jiqpoz/index.html
8- https://ugandaradionetwork.com/story/ibanda-parishioners-mourn-emeritus-bishop-john-baptist-kakubi-
9- https://m.facebook.com/ugepiscopalconf/posts/891347180978958
Enjoy!