The newly elected Supreme Mufti has vowed to ensure all Muslim properties that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) allegedly obtained or sold by fraud are returned to the Muslim community.

UMSC is led by Mufti Sheikh Shaban Mubaje.

Sheikh Muhammad Galabuzi, the third Supreme Mufti of Kibuli-based Muslim faction, said returning the properties was on his list of priorities.

He was sworn into office last Friday, replacing Sheikh Siliman Ndirangwa who resigned unexpectedly on April 1, 2021, for 'the good of Islam'.

"We'll not only demand that all Muslim properties that were stolen or fraudulently sold be returned, but also put up new ones," he vowed in his swearing-in speech obtained by New Vision.

His faction was formed after the trial magistrate in the theft case filed against Mubaje, found the Mufti not guilty in November 2008, but accused him of lying to Muslims on the sale of their prime properties in the city.

The court ruled that Mubaje, in his capacity, as elected Mufti of Uganda, had the authority to sell the properties. 

Meeting at Hotel Africana in Kampala after the ruling, the college of Sheikhs resolved to form a parallel administration.

They later elected Sheikh Zubair, who died in April 2015.

Mubaje has, however, held on, insisting that he is the rightful Muslim leader in Uganda.

Other pledges

Sheikh Galabuzi also promised to improve the education, health and economic standards of Muslims in Uganda.

"We'll also fight for justice for Muslims and all those who will come to us seeking redress," he said.

He also said they will stand idly by and let people die at the hands of the authorities.

The Supreme Mufti said they will ensure perpetrators of these crimes are brought to book.

He also pledged to restore people's faith in them as Muslim leaders.