Mixed reactions as Mubaje ban campaigns in mosques

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Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje's decision to ban campaigns in the mosques under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has caused mixed reactions among Muslims.

Addressing congregants at the memorial prayers for the late Haj Edris Wetaka at Tawfiq Mosque, Kisenyi Cell, Buyonjo road in Mbale City Northern Division on Saturday, May 10, 2025, Mubaje said UMSC will soon issue circulars ordering Muslim leaders under its structure to stay out of direct political campaigns.

Mubaje also said Muslim leadership should not allow political sentiments at burial ceremonies.

The mufti has also warned district Kadhis, sheikhs, Imams and UMSC committee chairpersons against acting as agents for political parties and aspirants, saying this would be in contravention of the UMSC constitution.

“The UMSC constitution requires our leaders to remain non-partisan. Direct involvement in campaigns will breed conflicts and divide the Muslim faithful,” Mubaje said.

He added that Muslim clerics intending to contest for political positions should resign.

However, Mubaje encouraged Muslim elites to seek political leadership through the proper channels, just like other citizens, but without compromising their Islamic faith.

Mubaje made the remarks after Dr Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi, the board chairperson of the Electricity Regulatory Authority and an aspirant for the Mbale City Woman MP seat, complained that some Sheikhs were using Friday sermons and Islamic functions to campaign against her at the behest of political opponents.

Paying tribute to the late Haj Edris Wetaka, Mubaje praised him as a pious, committed Muslim who championed Islamic development in the Bugisu sub-region.

He saluted the late Wetaka for lobbying for the construction of a mosque on land he donated and for his tradition of hosting national Muslim leaders during working visits

‎ “Haji Wetaka was like a father to me because he was a close colleague of my late father, Haji Ramadhan Mubaje, and other Muslim leaders in the area. I urge his children to protect his legacy and call on all Muslims to emulate his example,” Mubaje said.

‎‎He urged Haji Wetaka’s family to work closely with the Bugisu Muslim leadership to ensure the mosque’s documentation and registration complies with UMSC policies.

Sheikh Isa Masaba, the Bugisu district kadhi and Dr Ahmad Hamid Wandega, the eastern regional assistant to the Mufti also spoke of Haji Wetaka’s contributions to Islam. ‎

Haji Ahmed Wetaka, a journalist with the Uganda Radio Network speaking on behalf of the family pledged to continue his father’s efforts in promoting Islamic activities.

What others say

Sheikh Abdu-Noor Kinene argues that the directive is unwarranted: “I don’t see any problem with Muslims asking their brethren to vote for him or her. My problem would be the Muslim leaders siding with a candidate or a particular political formation,” Kinene said.

Sheikh Hassan Mayambala, the director of Sabar Dawa Group of Uganda said the directive is vague.

“While I don’t agree with having campaigns in mosques because mosques are only worship places, I don’t see any harm in Muslims standing for political offices from seeking votes of their colleagues,” Mayambala said.

Mayambala said the move, if fully implemented, will disfranchise many muslims aspiring for political offices.