The re-election of Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje as Uganda’s Mufti has ignited controversy, with factions within the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) questioning the legitimacy of the process.
Mubaje, who previously reached the 70-year age limit set by the old UMSC constitution, was granted another five-year term by the Supreme Council’s College of Eminent Sheikhs, known as Majilis Ulama.
While the UMSC maintains that the new constitution allows him to continue, some dissenting voices claim the election process was neither transparent nor inclusive.
Ali Kankaka, a lawyer who helped draft the revised 2022 UMSC constitution, pointed out legal concerns regarding Mubaje’s eligibility.
"The new constitution requires a candidate for mufti to hold two degrees in Islamic Law (Sharia) or an equivalent. I am not sure whether Mubaje meets this requirement," Kankaka said.
He also argued that the process was flawed as other qualified candidates were not given an opportunity to express interest.
Furthermore, Kankaka questioned whether all members of the Majilis Ulama, who are responsible for selecting the mufti, met the required academic qualifications.
However, UMSC spokesperson Ashraf Ziwa defended the election, stating that it adhered to constitutional guidelines.
"The Majilis Ulama determined that no other candidate met the qualifications, which is why Mubaje was granted another five-year term. He will be allowed to finalize pending tasks and prepare for a smooth succession," Ziwa said.
Ziwa also asserted that all ten Muslim regions and 82 Muslim districts were represented in the process.
Despite these assurances, opposition to Mubaje’s new term has grown, with the head of the Luwero Muslim District, Ndawula Ali Ssekyanzi, among those rejecting his leadership.
Ssekyanzi and his colleagues insist Mubaje should not take the oath of office, alleging that the process was manipulated to ensure his re-election.
On Tuesday, the dissenting group attempted a peaceful march to Parliament but was blocked by Wandegeya police.
After negotiations, five representatives were permitted to take their petition to Parliament.
Mubaje’s tenure, which began in 2000, has been marked by internal divisions within the UMSC, including allegations that he sold Muslim properties.
These disputes led to the formation of a breakaway faction under the Supreme Mufti, based at Kibuli.
As tensions persist, the controversy over Mubaje’s re-election underscores the ongoing power struggles within the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.