The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has nominated Sheikhati Zainabu Nakabugo as the second Deputy Director of Sharia in charge of female affairs, a landmark move aimed at boosting women’s representation in Islamic leadership.
The decision was made during a National Management Committee meeting chaired by the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje.
According to UMSC spokesperson Haji Ashiraf Zziwa, the nomination is pending formal approval by the council’s relevant organs during upcoming mandatory meetings, in line with the UMSC Constitution.
“Sheikhati Zainabu Nakabugo has been nominated as the second Deputy Director of Sharia in charge of female affairs, pending formal appointment by the relevant UMSC organs,” he confirmed.
Nakabugo is among Ugandan Muslims who received scholarships from Libya during the era of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Sharia from the Islamic Call University College in Tripoli, Libya, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the Islamic University in Uganda. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Sharia at the same institution.
Sheikhati Nakabugo has already commenced her duties. Before this nomination, she served as head of the Islamic and Sharia Department at the UMSC-based Islamic Call University in Old Kampala.
Her appointment is expected to strengthen female participation in religious leadership and enhance the administration of Sharia affairs within Uganda’s Muslim community.