Mufti Mubajje speaks out on his retirement

By Saudha Nakandha and Andrew Ssenyonga

The Mufti Sheikh Shaban Mubajje has announced his intention to resign soon to clear way for one of the members of the newly elected Uganda Muslim Supreme Council's General Assembly to take over the country’s top Muslim leadership.

"Anytime I will put in my resignation because there are many elected professional Sheikhs to this General Assembly who deserve the chance," he said.

He made the revelation during the inauguration of the new General Assembly at the Old Kampala Mosque on Tuesday.

The new 202-member General Assembly is however not recognized by the Kibuli Muslim faction led by Supreme Mufti Zubair Kayongo.

A few years ago, Mubajje said he did not intend to remain in office for over ten years, although the UMSC Constitution allows him to stay in office until he is 70 years.

Mubajje who took office in 2003 is in his late 50s.

Mubajje Tuesday argued that he had wanted to serve as Mufti for a short time, but continuous court and internal UMSC wrangles forced him stay longer in office.

"I came into leadership with the intention of staying for not more than seven years but I have always been interrupted by court proceedings," he argued.

But there were mixed reactions from the members of the general assembly. Some argued that he had done his part and should quit, while some insisted he shouldn't quit.

Mubajje also urged the newly elected Assembly to consider revising the UMSC constitution because it is one of the issues leading to the current wrangles in the Muslim community.

"You should take into consideration issues pertaining to amending the Constitution because those who disagree with us have a problem with it," he explained.

He tipped the General Assembly to work towards unity and development of the Islamic religion.

The inauguration of the disputed General Assembly comes weeks after President Yoweri Museveni held a reconciliation meeting between Mubajje and Kayongo's groups.

During the meeting, it was agreed to establish a joint committee to study the causes of the Muslim wrangles and recommend a way forward.

The committee hasn't been named yet.