Twist in Muslim power wrangle
Jun 21, 2010
THE Uganda Muslim Supreme Council vice-chairman, Hajji Ahmed Wadrif, has no powers to call the general assembly to discuss a power struggle between the Mufti, Sheik Shaban Mubajje, and the chairman, Hajji Hassan Basajjabalaba, the council’s spokes person has said.
By Madinah Tebajjukira
THE Uganda Muslim Supreme Council vice-chairman, Hajji Ahmed Wadrif, has no powers to call the general assembly to discuss a power struggle between the Mufti, Sheik Shaban Mubajje, and the chairman, Hajji Hassan Basajjabalaba, the council’s spokes person has said.
Hajji Nsereko Mutumba yesterday explained that the constitution allows only the Mufti and Supreme Council chairman, to call the general assembly.
He added that the only meeting they were aware of was the one where Basajjabalaba is expected to present his defence to the accusations against him on Saturday.
Wadrif on Sunday said he had summoned the general assembly to resolve Mubajje and Basajjabalaba’s conflict.
Wadrif’s move followed Basajjabalaba’s decision to suspend the Mufti, accusing him of conducting himself in a manner that does not befit Islamic principles.
Basajjabalaba said he had received a petition, signed by 12 members of the Joint Session, calling for Mubajje’s impeachment.
However, two days later, Mubajje issued a letter suspending Basajjabalaba as council chairman over allegations that he directed the administrative secretary to write to the finance minister, asking for tax exemption on two vehicles that were allegedly donated to the Supreme Council by Dr. Amir Mahdava.
Mubajje also said he had received a petition, signed by 16 members of the Joint Session, calling for Basajjabalaba’s impeachment on June 15.
When contacted yesterday, Wadrif insisted that the constitution gives powers to the executive committee to call the general assembly in circumstances where the mufti and the chairman cannot call one.
Mutumba argued, however, that there is no crisis necessitating the sitting of the general assembly.
The UMSC general assembly is constituted by representatives from 35 districts. It is the supreme Muslim organ that appoints the Mufti on the proposal of the Joint session which is a 30-member team, constituted by the executive committee and Majlis Al-Ulama (college of sheiks).
Meanwhile, former third deputy premier Gen. Moses Ali said an investigation should also be commissioned to establish the cause of the fall-out between Mubajje and Basajjabalaba.
Kampala Central MP Erias Lukwago appealed to Muslims to remain calm and wait for the general assembly ruling.
THE Uganda Muslim Supreme Council vice-chairman, Hajji Ahmed Wadrif, has no powers to call the general assembly to discuss a power struggle between the Mufti, Sheik Shaban Mubajje, and the chairman, Hajji Hassan Basajjabalaba, the council’s spokes person has said.
Hajji Nsereko Mutumba yesterday explained that the constitution allows only the Mufti and Supreme Council chairman, to call the general assembly.
He added that the only meeting they were aware of was the one where Basajjabalaba is expected to present his defence to the accusations against him on Saturday.
Wadrif on Sunday said he had summoned the general assembly to resolve Mubajje and Basajjabalaba’s conflict.
Wadrif’s move followed Basajjabalaba’s decision to suspend the Mufti, accusing him of conducting himself in a manner that does not befit Islamic principles.
Basajjabalaba said he had received a petition, signed by 12 members of the Joint Session, calling for Mubajje’s impeachment.
However, two days later, Mubajje issued a letter suspending Basajjabalaba as council chairman over allegations that he directed the administrative secretary to write to the finance minister, asking for tax exemption on two vehicles that were allegedly donated to the Supreme Council by Dr. Amir Mahdava.
Mubajje also said he had received a petition, signed by 16 members of the Joint Session, calling for Basajjabalaba’s impeachment on June 15.
When contacted yesterday, Wadrif insisted that the constitution gives powers to the executive committee to call the general assembly in circumstances where the mufti and the chairman cannot call one.
Mutumba argued, however, that there is no crisis necessitating the sitting of the general assembly.
The UMSC general assembly is constituted by representatives from 35 districts. It is the supreme Muslim organ that appoints the Mufti on the proposal of the Joint session which is a 30-member team, constituted by the executive committee and Majlis Al-Ulama (college of sheiks).
Meanwhile, former third deputy premier Gen. Moses Ali said an investigation should also be commissioned to establish the cause of the fall-out between Mubajje and Basajjabalaba.
Kampala Central MP Erias Lukwago appealed to Muslims to remain calm and wait for the general assembly ruling.