Mubajje leads historic prayers at Nakasero mosque

By Umaru Kashaka 

KAMPALA - The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, has taken his campaign for Muslim unity up a notch by leading thousands of rival Muslim factions in a historic Juma prayer session at Nakasero mosque.

Friday was the first time Mubajje was attending prayers and speaking to Muslims at Nakasero mosque since his election in 2000.

This mosque has been at the centre of controversy since October 2010 when Amir Dawla, Sheikh Sulaiman Kakeeto, leased it to city businessman Hajji Mustafa Kafeero to put up a shopping mall. A deal a section of Muslims were opposed to, saying it was not done in transparent manner.

It belongs to Jamu-i-yyat al-Dawah as-Salafiya, the organisation of the splinter Tabliq group under the leadership of Sheikh Kamoga.

Muslims at this mosque had also opposed Mubajje's leadership after over 500 Muslim Sheikhs on January 21, 2009 convened what they called a Sharia Court and tried, convicted and sentenced him over the fraudulent disposal of Muslim property under his custody.

Mubajje had previously been acquitted alongside three senior Muslim leaders accused of fraud by Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Court.
 

Acting Amir Ummah Sheikh Yahaya Mwanje (L) mingles with Mubajje. (Photo credit: Ronnie Kijjambu)

Amir Dawla, Sheikh Sulaiman Kakeeto speaks to Muslims at the mosque. (Photo credit: Ronnie Kijjambu)

The visibly ecstatic Mufti, who was dressed in a light gray robe over a white tunic and a Muslim cap, told the congregation amid cheers that the unity campaign had gained momentum.

He implored them to remain steadfast and endure all personal insults and attacks from those against this cause without retaliation of any sort.

"Allahu Akbar [God is Great!]. As-salamu alaykum [peace be upon you]," the Mufti greeted a jubilant congregation that chanted ‘Allahu Akbar’. It was a significant moment for Muslims who had for years longed for it.

The Mulim leader thanked Muslims for braving the elements to attend the prayer, associating the rain that fell during the prayer time with luck and blessings of God.

"The rain is Barak [blessing]. May Allah forgive you for remaining steadfast in this campaign," he prayed.

He was flanked by Tabliq leaders Kakeeto and the acting Amir Ummah Sheikh Yahaya Mwanje, who temporarily replaced his boss, Sheikh Yunus Kamoga.

Deepened divisionism

Kamoga is among 18 suspects who have been charged over the recent mysterious killings of Sheikh Abdul-Khadir Muwaya, the leader of the Shia Muslim Community in Uganda and Sheikh Mustafa Bahiga of Mayuge and Wakiso districts respectively.

They are due to appear in the War Crimes Court for trial over charges of murder, attempted murder, terrorism and crimes against humanity.

These killings have, however, caused panic and deepened divisionism by counter accusations among the Muslim community in Uganda.

Mubajje urged Muslims to unite for the sake of developing Islam and find ways of seeing to it that the lost Muslim properties are recovered from those possessing them.

He said they should sit together as members of one community and list all the lost Muslim properties and ask those possessing them accountability.

"Are you ready to fight this battle [of recovering the property]?" he asked to which his followers chorused in the affirmative.
 

Security operatives were deployed at the mosque as part of the Entebbe Road that leads down to Shoprite was blocked. (Photo credit: Ronnie Kijjambu)

Mubajje said the heavy downpour that day was a blessing from Allah. (Photo credit: Ronnie Kijjambu)

Sheikh Kakeeto, who had been thrown out of the Nakasero mosque, said he was overwhelmed by feelings of happiness.

"Let's ponder over the suras [chapters] of the Qur'an. We have not gathered here to fight or insult anyone, but to heed to Allah's call for togetherness as Muslims," he added.

It was the first time Kakeeto was addressing Muslims at Nakasero mosque since the controversy surrounding the redevelopment of this mosque took a new twist in January, 2011 with angry Muslim youth reported to be loyal to the rival Supreme Mufti throwing him out and foiling the redevelopment.

Other speakers, including the Amir of Spidika faction based in Kisenyi suburb, Sheikh Mubarak Mugerwa, heaped praises on Mubajje and pledged allegiance to him as their only Mufti.

The Kibuli Muslim faction headed by the Supreme Mufti Zubair Kayongo was not officially represented.

Kibuli people continue to argue that they cannot accept the calls for unity before the Mubajje leadership apologize over the sale of the Muslim property.


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