UMSC leadership row: Muslims want Museveni intervention
Citing articles 5(9) and 29(12) of the UMSC constitution, Sheikh Haruna Rashid Kasangaki, a member of the UMSC general assembly representing Wakiso Muslim district, said Sheikh Mubaje does not qualify for another term but it is security keeping him in office.
Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje whom Muslims claim his actions they claim are in total violation of the UMSC constitution.
Farooq Kasule
Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - A group of Muslims who subscribe to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have asked President Yoweri Museveni to intervene in the leadership row at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). They say the row may affect their party (NRM) in the 2026 general election.
Led by former Bamunanika County MP Ali Ndawula Ssekyanzi, the lawyers argue that many aggrieved Muslims believe that it is the NRM government behind Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje whose actions they claim are in total violation of the UMSC constitution.
“Your excellency, it is your government that gave us money to amend the UMSC constitution but the same is being violated and we call upon you to intervene in this matter because it is going to affect our party in the forthcoming elections,” Ndawula said during a media briefing at Bakuli in Kampala on March 14, 2025.
Ndawula is also a member of the UMSC general assembly representing Luwero Muslim district.
Sulaiman Ssemakula, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) mobiliser in Lwengo district said what is happening at UMSC does not only affect the image of Islam but also the NRM government.
“For us we support NRM but if the leadership crisis at UMSC is not handled well, many Muslims are likely to ditch NRM in the forthcoming elections because they are frustrated with what is going on at UMSC and yet they believe it is our government behind Mubaje,” Ssemakula said.
Citing articles 5(9) and 29(12) of the UMSC constitution, Sheikh Haruna Rashid Kasangaki, a member of the UMSC general assembly representing Wakiso Muslim district, said Sheikh Mubaje does not qualify for another term but it is security keeping him in office.
“We call upon the President to intervene in this matter otherwise many Muslims are aggrieved,” Kasangaki said.
Kasangaki also alleged that Mufti Mubaje lacks a master’s degree in sharia law or its equivalent as provided for under the new UMSC constitution and he is thus completely not eligible to occupy the office.
Sheikh Abdurrahman Sserunjogi bemoaned what is going on at UMSC, imploring the Government to intervene before the situation got out of hand.
When contacted, Ashraf Zziwa Muvawala, the UMSC spokesperson said the matter is before court.
“I don’t want to comment on this matter because it is in court but they should know that UMSC is not a political organisation and not even affiliated to any political party,” Muvawala said.
Mufti Mubaje sworn in for another five years
On Thursday, Mubaje was re-elected by the members of the college of eminent sheikhs (Majilis al Ulama) for another term of five years amidst protest from a cross-section of Muslims in the country.
Mubaje turned 70 on Wednesday (March 12) and under the old UMSC constitution, this would send him into retirement.
In what appears to be more controversial, the new UMSC constitution stipulates a fixed term of 10 years for the mufti but again puts an upper age cap of 75 years.
Mufti Mubaje faces court battle over re-election bid
The court case
Meanwhile, High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma has since set March 19 to start hearing the case in which a group of Muslims are seeking a declaration that Mubaje is not eligible for re-election for another term after turning 70 years.
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 seeking re-election as per articles 5 and 29(12) of the Muslim constitution.
The four want the court to issue an order prohibiting Mubaje from further serving as the Mufti of Uganda.
The applicants also want the court to issue an order of certiorari quashing the resolutions that had been allegedly made by the UMSC organs extending the term of Mubaje as the Mufti of Uganda for another term of five years.
They are also seeking an order of mandamus directing the college of Eminent Sheikhs to commence the process of electing and vetting the new Mufti of Uganda as provided for under the new UMSC constitution.
In an affidavit accompanying the application, Kasakya argues that failure by the college of eminent sheikhs to conduct a process of electing new Mufti contravenes the mandatory provisions of the UMSC constitution as amended 2022 and the basic principles of good governance.
What expert say
Ali Kankaka, the ex-Uganda Muslim Lawyers Association (UMLAS) president who was part of the team that spearheaded the amendment of UMSC constitution argues that Mubaje does not qualify for renewal and if so done would be contrary to the muslim constitution.
Kankaka argues that the new UMSC constitution puts a cap on officers of UMSC including the Mufti who have been in service for 10 years and above before the inauguration of the new constitution from being elected upon expiry of their term of office.
Mubaje’s reign
Mubaje’s leadership ever since he ascended to power has been characterised by conflicts and legal battles but he continues to manoeuvre like a film star.
Under his leadership, he majorly boasts of sweet-talking President Yoweri Museveni to convince ex-Libyan President Col. Muammar Gaddafi to build the Gaddafi national mosque which project had stalled for decades.
However, he has also been accused of selling off several Muslim properties with the recent one being the Ssembabule Muslim land which was sold to businessman Justus Kyabahwa about two years ago.
Who is Mubaje?
Born in Bungokho in Mbale district, Mubaje has been at the helm of the Muslim body for over 24 years.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sharia Law and a master’s degree in religious studies from Makerere University.
Before he was elected the Mufti in December 2000, Mubaje served as the Mbale district kadhi.