Sheikh Siliman Ndirangwa Dies at 62 After Battle With Illness

Uganda’s Islamic community is mourning the death of Sheikh Siliman Kasule Ndirangwa, the former Supreme Mufti affiliated with the Kibuli-based faction, who passed away Friday evening at Mengo Hospital in Kampala following a lengthy illness. He was 62.

Confirmation of his death came from family members shortly after 7:30pm, silencing a flurry of unverified social media reports that had circulated earlier in the day.

Born October 9, 1962, in Kirayangoma, Kisekka Sub-county now part of Lwengo District Sheikh Ndirangwa committed his life to Islamic scholarship and public service.

His early education began at Madarasat Noor Kirayangoma, later advancing through Bilal Islamic Institute before pursuing further studies in Saudi Arabia.

There, he completed his Qur’anic training at Dar-al-Hadith Makkiyah in Mecca and graduated with a degree in Da‘awah from the Islamic University of Madinah in 1989.

Upon his return, he became a leading figure in Uganda’s religious landscape, serving as Imam of Kibuli Mosque by 1992 and Kampala District Kadhi in 2000. Known for his firm sermons and unifying voice, he steadily rose in prominence.

In 2015, following the passing of Sheikh Zubair Kayongo, he was appointed Supreme Mufti under the Kibuli administration, where he advocated for moral integrity, religious education, and reform within the Muslim community.

His surprise resignation on April 1, 2021, citing internal tensions, made national headlines.

Though he stepped back from official leadership, he continued to mentor imams and remained influential in Islamic circles.

He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Tributes continue to pour in, honoring his legacy of wisdom, service, and devotion