Kitebi Muslim Students’ Association honours outgoing leaders, welcomes new cabinet

On Saturday 10th October, 2026, the Kitebi Muslim Students’ Association, during their leadership induction ceremony, recognised 20 outgoing leaders for their invaluable support rendered to the association during the 2025/2026 academic year.

During the same occasion, the association also ushered in 18 new leaders who were tasked with continuing its activities and strengthening unity among Muslim learners at Kitebi Secondary School.

The ceremony brought together association members, school representatives and invited guests to celebrate the outgoing leadership’s service and formally welcome the incoming cabinet. The outgoing leaders received gifts and certificates in recognition of their commitment and support towards the association throughout their term of office.

The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of student leadership, religious responsibility and cooperation in sustaining an association that brings together Muslim learners for prayer, spiritual guidance and fellowship within the school community.

Respect for leadership

Sheikh Yahaya, who often leads Muslim students in prayers on Sundays, urged members of the fraternity to respect their leaders regardless of their social status or religious differences.

He reminded the students that leadership carries responsibility and should be respected by those entrusted to follow it, emphasising that authority comes from Allah.

His message called on members to appreciate the people serving in leadership positions and cooperate with them in carrying out the association’s activities.

Respect for leadership, he noted, is essential to maintaining order, promoting understanding and enabling leaders to serve the wider membership effectively.

The guidance was particularly relevant as the association transitioned from the outgoing cabinet to the incoming team, a period that requires members to embrace the new leaders and give them the support necessary to fulfil their responsibilities.

Awarding ceremony

The awarding ceremony was presided over by Katongole Sudais, the students’ imam representative, together with Mr Kifampa Mubiru Muhammad, the association’s patron.

Their participation underscored the role played by student representatives and patrons in guiding the association, supporting its leadership structures and ensuring continuity in its activities.

New cabinet challenged to address prayer arrangements

Sheikh Musa Kamya, a former student of Kitebi Secondary School and the guest of honour, challenged the incoming cabinet to address challenges affecting the association, particularly the coordination of prayer schedules and ensuring that prayers are conducted on time.

He observed that balancing prayer activities with the school’s daily programme requires proper planning and cooperation among the leaders, members and relevant school authorities.

He urged the new cabinet to treat such concerns as priorities and work towards practical solutions that allow members to fulfil their religious obligations while respecting the school timetable and other institutional responsibilities.

His message placed emphasis on the need for the incoming leaders to approach their responsibilities with commitment, discipline and a willingness to listen to the concerns of their fellow students.

Sheikh Kamya also called on members to promote unity and mutual respect, reminding them that a strong association depends on how its members relate to one another, regardless of their individual differences.

He emphasised that students should avoid divisions and instead work together towards common goals, creating an environment in which members can participate freely in the association’s activities and support one another in their spiritual and personal development.

The call for unity also highlighted the importance of resolving disagreements through dialogue and ensuring that leadership decisions serve the interests of the wider membership.

The outgoing leaders were recognised for the roles they played in supporting the association’s activities, while the incoming cabinet was encouraged to build on the achievements of its predecessors and address challenges that may affect the smooth running of its programmes.

The role of Muslim students’ associations in schools

Muslim students’ associations play an important role in supporting learners’ religious, moral and social development. Beyond organising prayers and other religious activities, they provide a platform through which students can learn responsibility, practise leadership and develop a sense of belonging among their peers.

Through regular religious gatherings, discussions and guidance from sheikhs and patrons, members have opportunities to deepen their understanding of Islamic teachings and reflect on values such as honesty, discipline, respect, compassion and accountability.

Such associations also help students develop organisational and communication skills. Learners entrusted with leadership positions gain experience in planning activities, coordinating members, managing responsibilities and representing the interests of their colleagues.

For the wider membership, the associations offer opportunities for fellowship, peer support and cooperation. They can also help students navigate challenges associated with school life by encouraging responsible conduct, peaceful coexistence and respect for people from different backgrounds.

At Kitebi Secondary School, the transition from 20 outgoing leaders to a new cabinet of 18 provides an opportunity to sustain these responsibilities while addressing concerns raised during the ceremony.

The incoming leaders will be expected to build on the work of their predecessors, improve the coordination of the association’s programmes and strengthen relationships among members.

As the new cabinet begins its term, the messages delivered during the ceremony point to three important responsibilities: respecting leadership, addressing practical challenges and maintaining unity within the fraternity.

Ultimately, the success of the association will depend not only on the commitment of its leaders but also on the willingness of members to cooperate, respect one another and actively participate in its activities. Together, they can help sustain a Muslim students’ community that supports spiritual growth, responsible leadership and harmonious coexistence at Kitebi Secondary School.