No politics in Mosques: Mufti Mubaje urges in Eid message

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As early as 7:00 am, hundreds of Muslims gathered in long queues to enter the Uganda National Mosque, also known as the Gaddafi Mosque, to attend Eid-ul-Adha prayers, marking the start of one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar.

For many, the day is not only about the symbolic act of sacrifice, but also an opportunity for spiritual reflection, charity, and solidarity with the less fortunate.

In his address before the prayers, His Eminence Sheikh Dr Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, used the occasion to call on Muslims and all Ugandans to uphold values of compassion, unity, and peace, particularly as the country prepares for general elections early next year.

“Eid-ul-Adha teaches us obedience, generosity, and resilience,” said Sheikh Mubaje. “We urge those who are able to sacrifice to do so and to share with those who are not. Do not sell the meat—this is a religious obligation, not a business opportunity.”

Sheikh Mubaje took a firm stance against corruption within the Hajj travel bureau, revealing that despite President Yoweri Museveni sponsoring 100 Ugandan pilgrims for this year’s Hajj in Mecca, many were denied the opportunity due to irregularities in the visa allocation process.

“The president generously offered 100 visas, but some officials at the Hajj Bureau sold these visas to people who are not qualified for them,” he noted. “As a result, many legitimate pilgrims, including some of the president's people, missed the pilgrimage. We call upon the government to investigate and bring those responsible to book because we have raised this issue for years.”

There have also been numerous complaints from Muslims who claim they were conned by individuals posing as travel agents, promising to facilitate their journey to Mecca. The Mufti warned the Muslim community to remain vigilant against such fraudulent schemes.

With Uganda entering the political season, Sheikh Mubaje strongly warned against using mosques and pulpits to advance political agendas. He reminded the faithful that Islam is a religion of peace and that mosques should remain sacred spaces for prayers and unity, not platforms for partisan politics.

“There should be no politics in mosques,” he stressed. “We have written to all mosques against this, especially in this campaigning period. Let us preserve the sanctity of our places of worship.”

He also encouraged Muslims to be actively involved in promoting peace and stability during the upcoming general elections.

“Our duty is to be agents of peace. Work to build harmony in your communities, and reject any acts of terrorism or extremism. It is shameful that every terror act has a Muslim name attached to it. This is not who we are and those who do it, do it on their own.”

The Mufti urged Muslims to observe the true essence of Eid by fulfilling their obligation to sacrifice an animal, where possible. He criticised the tendency of some individuals to claim they cannot afford a sacrifice, despite living lifestyles that suggest otherwise.

“Some claim they cannot afford to slaughter an animal, yet they drive cars that consume expensive fuel. Sacrificing is a central act of devotion on this day, and every capable Muslim is encouraged to fulfil this duty,” he said.

Reflecting on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Sheikh Mubaje expressed dismay at the silence of global leaders and human rights organisations over the suffering of Palestinians. He called upon Muslims to continue praying for their brethren in Palestine.

“As we celebrate Eid, our brothers and sisters in Gaza are being killed, but the whole world watches in silence. We must not forget them. Let us keep them in our prayers.”