EDUCATION
Sheikh Rajab Mugenyi, the recently appointed Khadi of Hoima District, has returned to school in a determined effort to strengthen his leadership and administrative skills.
At 34, Mugenyi is pursuing his Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) at Bwikya Muslim Secondary School, where he is combining studies in Islam, Arabic, and ICT.
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The decision stems from his observations as a Muslim leader, where he noted that many Imams and community leaders struggle with administration due to a lack of formal education.
Mugenyi hopes his journey will inspire others to follow suit.
“While serving in various capacities, I realized many leadership mistakes stem from inadequate administrative skills. That’s why I chose to return to school. Education will not only benefit me but also the communities I serve,” he said after his ICT exam on Friday.
Journey Back to School
Mugenyi completed his Senior Four at Bwikya Muslim Secondary School in 2007 and focused on religious studies.
However, in March 2024, he decided to resume formal education to achieve his dream of advancing to university and eventually earning a Ph.D. in Public Administration.
“Returning to Bwikya felt like coming home. I want to set an example for other leaders by showing that it’s never too late to pursue education. My ultimate goal is to become a lecturer and contribute to shaping future leaders,” he said.
His appointment as Hoima District Khadi came after years of service as the secretary for Masindi Muslim District. Despite his responsibilities, Mugenyi remains committed to excelling in his studies.
Balancing Roles: Family, Business, and Education
Mugenyi’s life is a delicate balance between family, business, and school. He is a husband and father, owns schools in Masindi, and manages several responsibilities alongside his studies.
“My day starts with prayers and preparing my children for school. By 8 am, I’m in class, fully focused. I only attend to phone calls between 5 pm and 7 pm. After that, I dedicate time to my family and checking on my businesses,” he explained.
An Inspiration in the Classroom
Mugenyi’s humility and dedication have made him a role model at Bwikya Muslim Secondary School.
Despite being the oldest in his class, he actively engages with classmates and encourages them to focus on their education.
“Why should I be shy? This is about my future. I discuss openly with my classmates and remind them that education is the key to success. If I had pursued my studies earlier, I would be much further ahead now,” he said.
Abdala Mbuga, the headteacher of Bwikya Muslim Secondary School, commended Mugenyi for his discipline.
“You wouldn’t think he’s a Khadi when you see him in class. He respects all school rules and sets an excellent example for the students. Having him here is a source of pride,” Mbuga remarked.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Students at the school have also been inspired by Mugenyi’s presence. Christine Ajuna, a Senior Six candidate, spoke highly of his influence.
“Sheikh Mugenyi is so humble. He treats us like a parent and offers guidance whenever we need it. Seeing someone with his stature pursue education inspires us to take our studies seriously,” Ajuna said.
A Call to Fellow Leaders
Mugenyi is calling on other Muslim leaders to prioritize education, particularly in administration and technology.
“Many Imams struggle with leadership because they lack training in modern administrative practices. I urge my fellow leaders to consider courses in administration and ICT to remain relevant in today’s fast-changing world,” he said.
His efforts to juggle education, leadership, and family responsibilities are a testament to his commitment to self-improvement and community development.
As Mugenyi continues his academic journey, he hopes to inspire a wave of education-focused leadership in the Muslim community, demonstrating that it is never too late to learn and grow.
