Controversial tycoon Emmanuel Lwasa earlier this month converted to Islam and took up the name Akram.

Many people have been wondering what could have forced Lwasa to leave the Catholic faith and choose to settle as a Muslim.

He has opened up, revealing that he wanted to get closer to God and understand Him better because he has "seen it all" and it's time to repent.

"I converted to Islam because, as I grow older, I want to be closer to God and understand Him better," he explained in an interview with a local television station.

Lwasa, who has been known as an alcoholic and womanizer, says he is loving his new life in the Islamic religion and that the change has been tremendous so far.

The city tycoon says he is seeking forgiveness from God and hopes to have a good reunion with Him going forward.

Lwasa says he is planning to make the holy journey to Mecca in honor of the Islamic faith and its teachings and will be on the plane very soon.

Lwasa, however, has been warned by social media users to stop going to nightclubs, discos, and parties, especially those involving alcohol and women, because it is against Islamic teachings.