Mubaje criticises efforts to use Islam for political gains
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has expressed concern over individuals within the Muslim community who are sowing discord for personal and materialistic purposes.
He made these remarks during a meeting on Tuesday at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Headquarters Boardroom, where the UMSC National Executive Committee (NEC) and Majlis Al Ulama, also known as the College of Eminent Sheikhs, convened in accordance with the UMSC Constitution.
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The meeting, which was attended by UMSC leaders and members, was focused on discussing a Situation Report presented by Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, as well as budget estimates by Haj Juma Ali Ngobi, the Secretary for Finance and Planning. Additional reports from Sectoral Committees, policy reviews, and land acquisition matters were also on the agenda.
During the proceedings, Mubaje voiced his disapproval of those who have attempted to politicize Islam for their own selfish interests.
“It is really absurd that they have tried to turn the Islamic faith into political gimmicks,” he stated.
He emphasised the importance of resolving disputes within the Muslim community as outlined in the UMSC Constitution, noting that a recent court judgment had empowered the Muslim community to settle internal matters before resorting to legal action.
"The court judgment has clearly come out to empower the Muslim community to first sort out their own misunderstandings and disputes internally, instead of rushing to courts of law where they have been exposing their dirty linen in public," Mubaje explained.
The Mufti also highlighted the successful celebration of the UMSC’s 52nd Anniversary, which was graced by President Y Museveni, represented by Vice President Retired Major Jessica Alupo, and attended by international dignitaries.
He commended the Anniversary Organising Committee, led by Nuhu Mayambala, President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, and expressed gratitude to the UMSC leadership, including the Executives, Management, Majlis Al Ulama, and the broader Muslim community for their support and solidarity.
“We thank our legal team for the work well done, and this should be a lesson that we don’t need to relax in case such cases arise in the future,” Mubaje said.
The Mufti called on all Muslims to focus on the implementation of the UMSC's 10-year Strategic Plan, which aims at achieving social transformation within the Muslim community.
The National Executive Committee meeting, chaired by Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, UMSC National Chairperson, addressed several agenda items as outlined in the meeting’s order paper.
Meanwhile, the Majlis Al Ulama, chaired by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafidh Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, conducted interviews for candidates vying for the position of Kadhis in the newly created Butalejja, Namutumba, Buyende, Bugweri, and Kyegegwa Muslim districts.
