Wednesday February 24, 2021
Ugaas Hassan Ugaas Khalif in Beledweyne, Hiiraan. FILE PHOTO
Mogadishu (HOL) - An uncle of Ugas Hassan Ugas Khalif has confirmed that the Ugas died of complications from the COVID virus.
Prof. Ahmed Mumin Warfa, a distinguished Somali scholar, said that his nephew was diagnosed with the illness nearly two weeks ago.
"The chief was diagnosed with coronavirus a week ago, but he had no respiratory symptoms, so he asked to be returned to his hotel. He has been feeling better for the past two days, but last night he "His time was up, and he died," said Prof Warfa. He described the Ugas as a champion of peace that has been prominent in Somali culture in the years he served his community.
Ugas Hassan Ugas Khalif's death comes as Somalia struggles to contain a spike in recent cases. The national health ministry confirmed that they received 109 positive cases on Wednesday alone, including seven deaths.
Earlier this week, Fowzia Abikar, the Health Minister, announced a temporary shut-down of schools and universities for two weeks. She urged citizens to follow COVID health guidelines that include wearing a mask outside, washing their hands extensively with soap and social distancing.
Condolences have poured in from Somalia and around the world for the traditional elder of the Hawadle clan, who ascended to chief after his elder brother, Ugaas Abdirahman Ugaas Khalif, passed away in July 2016. He was eulogized by top government officials across the political spectrum, including President Farmajo, Faysal Ali Waraabe, leader of UCID party in Somaliland and a wide variety of civil society leaders.
President Farmajo meets with Ugas Hassan Ugas Khalif, the Ugas in Beledweyne, on Monday, April 30, 2018, to discuss severe flooding in the region./HOL
As per local tradition, Ugas Hassan Ugas Khalif's body will be taken to Beledweyne tomorrow to be laid to rest alongside the previous 19 chiefs of the Hawadle clan. Various clan chiefs from across Somalia are expected to attend the chief's burial.
Hawadle sub-clan leaders will meet after Ugas Khalif's burial to select the next traditional elder.