By KT Reporter
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has re-elected Sheikh Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje as the Mufti of Uganda following the expiration of his previous tenure upon reaching the constitutional age limit of 70. The decision was made by the Majlis Al-Ulama (College of Sheikhs) and unanimously approved by the Joint Session of the UMSC.
Sheikh Mubaje, who turned 70 on March 12, 2025, was initially elected under the UMSC constitution as amended in 1987, which stipulated that a Mufti remains in office until reaching that age. The current UMSC constitution, amended in 2022, contains transitional provisions under Article 29(12) that required those in office at the time of enactment to complete their tenure without automatic extension.
According to Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, the UMSC National Chairperson, “The Majlis Al-Ulama, tasked with selecting a new Mufti, took the necessary steps to ensure the process adhered to constitutional guidelines. We sought legal guidance, and after thorough review, it was concluded that there was no contradiction in considering Sheikh Mubaje for a fresh term under the amended constitution.”
“The selection of Sheikh Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje and Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa as the new First Deputy Mufti was made with the intention to ensure continuity and stability in the UMSC leadership. This is a new term under the 2022 constitution, which stipulates that the Mufti shall serve a single, non-renewable 10-year term,” Kisambira added.
The selections were presented to the Joint Session, a body comprising the National Executive Committee and Majlis Al-Ulama, where they were unanimously approved following nationwide consultations. Prof. Kisambira officially announced the appointments, stating, “I am pleased to inform the Muslim Ummah and the country that Sheikh Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje is the new Mufti of Uganda, and Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa is the First Deputy Mufti of Uganda as of today, March 13, 2025.”
Addressing concerns about a pending lawsuit, Prof. Kisambira explained, “On March 12, 2025, the court dismissed applications seeking to prevent the swearing-in of the new Mufti. The court was not persuaded by the applicants, and both applications were denied. As a result, there is no injunction or order stopping any actions at UMSC, and we are free to continue with our business as usual.”He further stated, “The case is set for a hearing on March 24, 2025, but I want to assure the Muslim community and the public that we have complied fully with the law, and there is no obstacle to the smooth transition of leadership.”
Prof. Kisambira also urged the media to avoid spreading misinformation about UMSC affairs, saying, “I call upon both mainstream media and social media users to refrain from publishing unverified and misleading information. It is not the first time that false reports have been circulated. In December 2023, the Judiciary had to clarify false media reports regarding a ruling by Lady Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya.”
As the UMSC embarks on a new chapter, the National Chairperson extended prayers for wisdom and strength for the leadership, wishing the Muslim community a blessed and fruitful Ramadhan. “May Allah Almighty grant the new administration the wisdom and strength to propel UMSC towards sustainable growth for the benefit of the Ummah,” he concluded-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
