Mubaje lists priorities for new term

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The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, whose re-election remains subject to court scrutiny, has revealed that over the next five years, he will focus on building regional administrations in the ten Muslim regions under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).

Mubaje made this revelation while addressing a cross-section of Muslim leaders, including district kadhis and his regional assistants, who paid a courtesy call on March 20, 2025, to congratulate him and his deputy, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, on their re-election by the Majilis Al-Ulama (College of Eminent Sheikhs) for another five-year term after clocking 70 years.

Mubaje thanked the Muslim leaders for standing with him and for their commitment to unity. He urged them to remain focused on strengthening cohesion in their respective regions.

Mubaje updated them on ongoing UMSC projects, including the construction of a 29-unit apartment complex in Kampala.

He also said the construction of several classroom blocks at Insan International University was in the pipeline, along with plans to develop a shopping mall on UMSC’s recently recovered land along the Kampala-Gayaza highway.

He urged regional Muslim leaders to prepare for a nationwide tour by the UMSC national management team, led by him, which would coincide with a fundraising drive for the projects.

Mubaje also called on leaders to document community properties in their districts for better management.

Regarding those fighting him, Mubaje prayed to God to work on them.

On his part, Sheikh Waiswa said they were not clinging to power. “We have never been power-hungry, and the decision of the College of Sheikhs was based on transition. We assure you we will transfer power when the time comes,” Waiswa said.

UMSC secretary general Haji Muluubya Ssekyanzi explained that the Majlis Al-Ulama (College of Eminent Sheikhs) and Joint Session re-elected Mubaje and Waiswa after they clocked 70 years, based on their outstanding performance both in Uganda and beyond.

Court case

Mubaje, Waiswa, and 42 members of the UMSC management, College of Eminent Sheikhs, and Joint Session have since been taken to court over the new term.

In a judicial review application, Swaibu Nsimbe, Twayibu Byansi, Musa Kalokora, and Musa Kasakya argue that, having served for more than 24 years—far beyond the 10 years provided for under the new UMSC constitution—Mubaje is estopped from being re-elected, as per Articles 5 and 29 (12) of the Muslim constitution.

They contend that Mubaje is not eligible for re-election after turning 70 years old, having already served more than ten years before the amendment of the UMSC constitution.

The four want the court to issue an order prohibiting Mubaje from further serving as the Mufti of Uganda.

The applicants also seek an order of certiorari to quash the resolutions allegedly made by the UMSC organs extending Mubaje’s term as Mufti of Uganda for another five years.

Additionally, they are seeking an order of mandamus directing the College of Eminent Sheikhs to commence the process of electing and vetting a new Mufti of Uganda as provided for under the new UMSC constitution.

In an affidavit accompanying the application, Kasakya argues that the College of Eminent Sheikhs’ failure to conduct the process of electing a new Mufti contravenes the mandatory provisions of the UMSC constitution as amended in 2022 and the basic principles of good governance.

On Wednesday, UMSC lawyers, led by Musa Kabega, filed their defence to the case. The hearing is set to begin on Monday (March 24) before High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma at the Civil Division of the High Court in Kampala.

What others say

Ali Ndawula Ssekyanzi, the former Bamunanika County MP and chairman of Luweero Muslim District, argues that Mubaje’s stay in office after celebrating his 70th birthday violates the Muslim constitution.

Citing articles 5(9) and 29(12) of the UMSC constitution, Ndawula argues that Sheikh Mubaje does not qualify for another term, having served for over 24 years before the Muslim constitution was amended in 2022.

Ali Kankaka, the ex-Uganda Muslim Lawyers Association (UMLAS) president, who was part of the team that spearheaded the amendment of the UMSC constitution, argues that Mubaje does not qualify for renewal, and if so, it would be contrary to the Muslim constitution.

Kankaka asserts that the new UMSC constitution places a cap on UMSC officers, including the mufti, preventing those who have served for 10 years or more before the inauguration of the new constitution from being re-elected upon the expiry of their term.

Hajj Abdul Kiyimba, the ex-Kyengera town council mayor and a member of the UMSC General Assembly, argues that the five-year extension granted to Mubaje and Waiswa is not provided for under the UMSC constitution, rendering their continued stay in office illegal.

UMSC constitution

The new Muslim constitution stipulates that a Mufti shall serve for a single 10-year term.

To qualify for election as Mufti, one must be a Sunni Muslim aged between 40 and 75 years with a master’s degree in Sharia law or its equivalent.

This effectively means that only Sunni Muslims aged between 40 and 65 years who possess the requisite academic qualifications are eligible to be elected as the Mufti of Uganda.