The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has issued a stern warning to Muslim leaders, prohibiting political campaigns during mosque functions and burial ceremonies as the country gears up for the 2026 general elections.
Speaking during memorial prayers for the late Edris Wetaka at Tawfiq Mosque in Mbale City, Mufti Mubaje said the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) would soon issue official circulars instructing kadhis, sheikhs, and UMSC committee chairpersons across the country to steer clear of partisan politics during religious gatherings.
"The UMSC Constitution requires our leaders to remain nonpartisan. Direct involvement in campaigns will breed conflicts and divide the Muslim faithful," Mubaje said.
He added that any Muslim cleric intending to run for political office must first resign from their religious duties before entering the campaign period.
While encouraging Muslim professionals to participate in national leadership through appropriate civic channels, Mubaje warned against using mosques and Islamic functions as platforms for political endorsement.
His comments came in response to a complaint raised by Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi, chairperson of the Uganda Electricity Regulatory Authority and aspiring Woman MP for Mbale City, who alleged that some sheikhs were using Friday sermons and other Islamic functions to campaign against her under pressure from political opponents.
During the event, Mufti Mubaje also paid tribute to the late Haj Edris Wetaka, praising his longstanding contributions to the growth of Islam in the Bugisu sub-region.
He highlighted Wetaka’s role in donating land for the construction of a mosque and his efforts in hosting national Muslim leaders during official visits to the area.
“He was like a father to me — a close friend to my late father, Haj Ramadhan Mubaje, and other Muslim leaders in this region. I urge his children to preserve his legacy and call on all Muslims to emulate his dedication to the faith,” he said.
Mubaje further encouraged the Wetaka family to work closely with Bugisu’s Muslim leadership to ensure the mosque’s proper documentation and registration in line with UMSC policies.