The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has announced plans to conduct a nationwide Muslim census in response to what it claims are inaccuracies in the recently released national census report.
The announcement was made by the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, during his address after Friday Juma prayers at Masjid Abubakar in Mbarara City, Western Uganda.
The UMSC's decision stems from dissatisfaction with the latest report by the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), which estimates the Muslim population in Uganda at 6.05 million.
According to Mufti Mubaje, the report significantly underrepresents the actual Muslim population, which he believes has nearly doubled in recent years.
“We cannot accept these false figures,” Mubaje stated. “How can they claim that polygamous Muslim families, who traditionally have more children, have decreased compared to monogamous families? This is a calculated move to undermine Muslims and deny them access to national resources.”
Mubaje suggested that the report could be part of an attempt to marginalise the Muslim community by portraying it as a minority.
He asserted that the Muslim population is closer to 12 million, based on UMSC projections made during the general elections held a few years ago.
He also commended the Muslim leadership in Mbarara, particularly Kadhi Sheikh Abdallah Mukwaya and the youth, for promoting unity and renovating the Abubakar Mosque.
He praised the youth for spearheading the construction of a multi-billion business center aimed at funding Islamic activities in the region.
The Mufti took the opportunity to advise young Muslims to avoid being influenced by errant sheikhs spreading divisive messages on social media, warning that such behavior tarnishes the image of the Muslim community.
He urged the youth to focus on productive activities and respect national leaders, including the Head of State and religious leaders.
The UMSC has recently launched a Self-Sustainability Agribusiness Project aimed at boosting Muslim household incomes, with a particular focus on coffee farming in the Ankole-Kigezi Muslim Region.
Mufti Mubaje pledged financial support for the ongoing business center construction and officially declared the renovation of the Abubakar Mosque complete.
UMSC leaders, including national management members and regional officials, accompanied the Mufti on a tour of the business center construction site.
The census initiative is expected to provide a more accurate representation of Uganda’s Muslim population and address concerns about resource allocation and representation at the national level.