Sheikh Abu Jaffer Shaban Karala, the Arua Muslim district Khadi
BY RICHARD DRASIMAKU
ARUA: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2025
“His name is Jackson, he gave sh40m more than the office of the president that gave sh10m, yet he is not a Moslem,” Sheikh Abu Jaffer Shaban Karala, the Khadi of the Arua Moslem district said on Wednesday.
This was during a Christmas bash hosted by Jackson Atima, the Arua Central Division Member of Parliament whose constituency has more Moslems than Christians.
The money that Sheik Jaffer was referring to was given by Atima to support the construction of the main mosque of the Uganda Moslem supreme council in Arua City.
Jackson Atima, MP Arua Central Division
Sheikh Shaban pointed out the prevailing peace and stability ushered in by President Yoweri Museveni, emphasizing that all imams have been instructed to preach the message of peace to Moslems.
He warned that anyone imam or sheikh who preaches opposition will be stopped and replaced in that position. Sheikh Shaba maintained that Arua Central Division was being portrayed as an opposition stronghold because leaders of the National Resistance Movement are not doing enough to explain the achievements of the government to the people.
“We don’t want to go to exile again and our message as religious leaders is that there is one man who returned us from exile and has allowed us to enjoy peace and political stability,” asserted the district Khadi.
“President Museveni is going to give us support but who is going to pick it from him. These leaders have already given you the message and you have to follow that,” he added.
Of course the Sheikh Shaban did not mention another sh40m that was given by Atima to the rival faction affiliated to the Kibuli group who are also constructing a mega mosque in the Central Division.
More Moslems than christian attended the Christmas bash hosted by MP Jackson Atima
It was therefore not a surprise that the Christmas bash to crown the anniversary of the Birth of Jesus Christ in 2025 was gladly embrace by the Moslems as they savored in the carols and the gospel songs.
The Khadi also declared that it is against Islamic principles to turn down an invitation from a non-Moslem extended in friendship and told Moslems to stop unnecessary contests over slaughter of animals for meat.
“If a non-Moslem invites you, don’t ask who slaughtered as long as the other thing [pork] is not part of the menu. Just pray and eat,” Sheikh Shaban said.
He was flunked by Swadik Angupale, the deputy resident city commissioner of Arua who pointedly told parliamentary and local government candidates to desist from using tribes and religion as campaign points.
Swadik Angupale, the Arua Deputy Resident City commissioner
“Let us do ideal campaigns devoid of abuse, tribalism and religious affiliations,” he said.
Giving himself as an example, Angupale said he is a public servant appointed by President Museveni after being seconded by the late Speaker of the Parliament Jacob Oulanya and both of them are non-Moslem.
Angupale also cleared doubts of those who want to hide under the tribal burner that the mother to Atima’s wife and former Maracha District Woman member of Parliament, Rose Ayaka is an Aringa from Yumbe who could be drawn into the current campaigns if opponents turn the campaigns into a tribal affair.
Mrs Rose Ayaka and Jackson Atima during the Christmas bash at their home in Arua City
“We said that we want education, now we are surrounded by schools. We have health centers and Arua Central Division is shining with electricity. Therefore, on the voting day January 15,2026, go and vote president Museveni and Vote Jackson Atima,” said Angupale.
Atima thanked the people including Moslems and the Indian community of Hindu for coming in big numbers to be part of the Christmas Celebrations but stressed that as they celebrate, they have to keep in mind president Museveni has saved Uganda from political chaos that has allowed businesses to thrive.
Museveni is a special gift that God has given for Uganda. We thank God for that. Our economy has grown in peace and we are experiencing socio-economic transformation,” said Atima as he urged the people to vote for the president regardless of whether they are members of opposition political parties.
The Indian business Community in Arua Central Division were represented at the Christmas bash
He promised three days of celebration at a football field named after the presidents younger brother, Gen Salim Saleh, should they win the January 15 vote.
Atima said he will also organize six or more buses to take his supporters to witness his swearing in ceremony at the Parliament in May to banish the memories of a promise that he made in 2021 but did not fulfill because of the ban on travels due to the Covid19 pandemic lock-down.
