RELIGION | MUSLIMS | SUPREME MUFTI

KAMPALA - Kibuli Muslim sect on Friday (November 26, 2021) sworn in their new Supreme Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi and his cabinet. 

Galabuzi replaced Sheikh Silliman Kasule Ndirangwa who resigned in February this year.

(L-R) Sheikh Mahad Kakooza second deputy Supreme Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi, the Supreme Mufti, and Sheikh Ibrahim Ntanda, the first deputy Supreme Mufti praising after taking oath. This was at the swearing-in ceremony at Kibuli Muslim Mosque in Kampala on November 26, 2021. (All Photos by Ramadhan Abbey)

Ndirangwa resigned saying he was tired of bickering with superiors at Kibuli. 

The ceremony was presided over by Sheikh Abdul-Noor Muhammad Lunanooba and Sheikh Suleiman Mundu with hundreds of Muslims including top politicians in attendance among others. 

The new Supreme Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi arrives for the ceremony.

Sheikh Galabuzi is deputised by Sheikh Ibrahim Ntanda, the First Deputy Supreme Mufti and Sheikh Mahad Kakooza Second Deputy Supreme Mufti.

Others include Sheikh Twaha Kezaala (Secretary General), Sheikh Mahmood Kibirango (Halal), Sheikh Yakub Luwalira (Administration), Dr Abdul-Hafiz Walusimbi (Director Sharia), Sheikh Razak Ssekimwanyi (Zakat and endowment), Sheikh Yasir Ssekimwanyi (Religious affairs), Sheikh Yasin Kiweewa (Dawa), Haji Jamil Buwembo (education and gender), Sheikh Kalifan Lutaaya (Events) and Fahad Matovu (legal affairs). 

The new Supreme Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi arrives for the ceremony.

Addressing the believers, the titular head of the Muslims community, Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu called upon security personnel to stop ‘targeting’ Muslims as they hunt for terrorists. 

"Security agencies should stop thinking that there is a religion meant for terrorists. If you think so then you will be missing out on the point because you will leave out the bad elements because they do not profess that religion,” Nakibinge said. 

New Supreme MuftiGalabuzi (second right) being helped by Sheikh Abdul-Noor Muhammad Lunanooba, the chairman of the college of Eminent Sheikhs to take oath as others look on.

In 2008, a group of sheikhs denounced leadership at the UMSC accusing the Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Ramadhan Mubajje and his team of selling off several Muslim properties.   

Consequently, they formed a parallel leadership at Kibuli, which included former Chief Kadhi Sheikh Obed Kamulegeya, who has since rejoined USMC after he was fired from Kibuli.

From right, Abubaker Kawalya MP Rubaga North, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda Kiira Municipality MP, Erias Lukwago Kampala Lord Mayor, Hajji Amis Kakomo, Buganda’s Minister for Agriculture, Matia Lwanga Bwanika, Wakiso district Chairperson, among others during the swearing-in of new Supreme Mufti at Kibuli Muslim Mosque in Kampala on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Also in attendance was Minsa Kabanda, Kampala Minister, Dr. Twaha Kaawaase, the 2nd Deputy Katikkiro, Erias Lukwago, the Kampala Lord Mayor, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Kiira Municipality MP, Abubaker Kawalya MP Rubaga South and Matia Lwanga Bwanika, the Wakiso district Chairperson, among others.

Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi, the new supreme Mufti of Kibuli Muslim sect receiving instruments power from Muhamood Kibate, the outgoing deputy Mufti after taking oath.

Muslims including politicians during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Supreme Mufti at Kibuli Muslim Mosque Kampala.

(Second left) Kalifan Kakungulu, Dr. Twaha Kaawaase, the 2nd Deputy Katikkiro, the former supreme Mufti Muhamood Kibate, Prince Kassim Nakibinge, the titular head of the Muslims community, among others during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Supreme Mufti at Kibuli Muslim Mosque in Kampala.

The new Supreme Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi (middle in green) with his new cabinet praising after taking oath.