By VOM News Room
Sheikh Shaafie Bakore Kabuba is the deputy district Khadi of Kisoro district.
A linguist by training, well versed in French, Swahili and Kifumbira, Sheikh Shaafie says he decided to write about the history of Islam in Kisoro back in 2011.
The book that was launched on the 1st of January 2023 during a small function at Kisoro Mosque.
Shaafie says it took him over 10 years to compile all the details needed to paint a clear picture of Islam in the district.
The 133 paged book, written in Rufumbira, speaks vividly of people like Abdallah Namunye, an appointed Muganda agent of the British colonists who built a mosque in Kisoro as soon as he settled there long before Christian evangelization took place in the area.
The book also speaks of other personalities who helped spread Islam in the district as well as acquiring land and other properties, giving the Muslim community an opportunity to compete.
“I found great difficulty in verifying some stories from sources because the timelines were often questionable however I am glad to say that other literary sources, including Paul Ngorogoza’s book and the late Bishop Ernest Sharita’s book were very helpful, Shaafie explained
Shaafie says the intention of writing the book was to use it as a bridge, connecting with those who have since fallen in death but managed to contribute positively to the Islamic faith.
He also says it’s a way of helping the future generations trace their heritage as well as providing invaluable information to researchers and scholars.
Shaafie admits, that the project has been extremely demanding since he worked on documenting the book with little to no support from others.
Key Muslim personalities in Kisoro Municipality, who preferred anonymity say Sheikh Shaafie’s efforts are commendable however he should have involved others in the process.
The book that is now undergoing printing will soon be available at Kisoro Main Mosque and several libraries.
Shaafie says he hopes to have it done in English as well to ensure more people get to understand the rich history of Islam in Kisoro.
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