Hungry, angry Muslims heckle Mubaje over long speech

The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, was almost forced off the pulpit while delivering his sermon after a group of Muslims lost patience with delays in starting prayers.

The incident took place on Wednesday during the Eid-al-Fitr prayers at the National Mosque in Old Kampala.

This celebration marked the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan for the year 2024.

Several Muslims accused Mubaje of prolonging the prayers and delivering an excessively long speech.

Frustrated by his continuous preaching without any indication of concluding, they stood up in protest, chanting "swalah," which signifies the time for prayers.

Attempting to pacify the agitated crowd, Mubaje addressed them, asking them to keep calm.

"Those who are shouting, please leave the Mosque. Inform those who do not wish to perform prayers to exit as well," he said.

Despite his efforts, the protests persisted, creating a significant disturbance throughout the mufti's speech.

Undeterred by the commotion, Mubaje stood his clout and completed his speech while the noise from the disgruntled Muslims continued.

Realising the situation was escalating, Mubaje called upon security personnel to restore order within the Mosque.

Bumali Mpindi, the Member of Parliament for people with disabilities, expressed disappointment towards the group of Muslims who attempted to disrupt the mufti.

"It was inappropriate to shout at the Mufti since they were not part of the organizing committee. The organisers had scheduled the prayer time, and the Mufti was adhering to that," he said.