By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho
Sheikh Anas Kaliisa, a renowned Muslim scholar and senior political analyst on NBS Television has passed on.
Dr. Kaliisa, the former Director of the Institute of Research and Training was a political analyst on Middle East affairs, and one of the 21 founders and the Managing Director House of Zakat and Waqf Uganda.
He was also the Secretary of the Eminent Council of Sheikhs of Uganda and Chairman Muslim Jurists Uganda.
Sheikh Kaliisa was well-grounded in Islamic theology, law, history and customs and sits on the apex body of world Muslim scholars.
Dr. Kaliisa was the elder brother to Next Media service owner Kin Kaliisa.
According to the family member, Dr.Anas Kaliisa left office at Naguru yesterday and returned to his home to have a rest as was his routine but he collapsed dead at home the cause of death is not known since he never complained of any illness.
The deceased’s body has now been taken to Mulago to carry out a postmortem that will reveal the exact cause of death.
Dr.Anas Kaliisa has also been a panelist on NBS Television’s Ensi n’ebyayo program where he used to dissect key issues around the world and used to run every Sunday evening.
His knowledge and sharp memory of events in Islamic theology, law and customs made him a darling of many who watched his show.
Sheikh Dr. Anas Kaliisa was the founding chairman of the House of Zakat and Waqf Uganda, a non-denominational and not-for-profit organisation.
The organisation was set up to manage and administer Zakat (alms) and Waqf or endowment in accordance with the teaching of the Holy Quran and Hadith for the social wellbeing of Muslims and development of Islam.
Kaliisa, also served as the Secretary of the Eminent Council of Sheikhs of Uganda and Chairman Muslim Jurists Uganda.