UMSC Shortlists Three Candidates to Replace Deputy Mufti Ssemambo

Sheikh Imran Abdunoor Ssali, the UMSC Secretary for religious affairs, announced the shortlist but did not disclose the names of the selected candidates to the media.

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has shortlisted three candidates for the position of second deputy Mufti, a pivotal role in the leadership of Uganda's Muslim community.

Sheikh Imran Abdunoor Ssali, the UMSC Secretary for religious affairs, announced the shortlist but did not disclose the names of the selected candidates to the media.

The candidates were chosen following a rigorous vetting process conducted by an ad hoc committee.

This process evaluated applicants based on various criteria, including age, qualifications, over a decade of experience in Muslim leadership, marital status, language proficiency, and interpersonal skills essential for working with the broader community.

“We received nine applications, and after careful evaluation, three candidates have been selected for the next stage of interviews,” Sheikh Ssali said.

“The final candidate will be appointed to fill the position.”

The vacancy emerged after Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa was promoted by the UMSC Joint Committee.

Sheikh Waiswa’s elevation followed the ousting of Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo in December 2023, who was impeached for misconduct and violating the UMSC constitution after aligning with a splinter group within the council.

The final appointment of the second deputy mufti is expected to play a significant role in shaping Uganda’s Muslim leadership, with hopes to foster stability and unity within the Muslim community.

Sheikh Ssemambo had served as deputy mufti in charge of Religious Affairs for 14 years.

However, in December 2023, he unexpectedly aligned himself with a dissident group that organized a general assembly aiming to suspend Mufti Ramadhan Mubaje and retire him in the interest of the public.

The group subsequently appointed Ssemambo as acting mufti, and he was sworn into office.

This faction's actions were driven by growing discontent within a segment of Uganda’s Muslim community over allegations of maladministration and mismanagement of Muslim properties.

Tensions were further exacerbated by the council’s failure to settle a Shs19 billion debt related to a land deal in Ssembabule.

Ssemambo’s impeachment was based on two primary allegations: his involvement with the irregular assembly that swore him in as acting mufti, in violation of Article 5(14)c of the UMSC constitution (as amended in 2022), and his alleged conspiracy to abrogate the council's constitution, which he had sworn to uphold.

Under the UMSC constitution, the removal of the Mufti or his deputies can only occur through a joint session of the Executive Committee and the Majlis Al-Ulama (College of Sheikhs).

The constitution outlines six grounds for removal, including mental unfitness, bankruptcy, criminal conviction, misconduct, violation of Islamic norms, or failure to perform duties.

The general assembly that initiated these proceedings was convened following a court order from Justice Faridah Shamilah Bukirwa Ntambi.

However, the Mubaje-led group quickly sought legal intervention and secured a court order suspending the assembly's decisions pending further judicial review.

Supporters of Mufti Mubaje argue that the dissident group’s actions were premature, as they await the court's ruling on the matter.