• D.Ks and R.As
• By: Ashiraf Zziwa

His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda has finally resolved long misunderstanding between the Kadhi of Mukono District Sheikh Shazir Lumala and his chairperson Sheikh Abbas Mujjumba on one hand, and the majority of  councilors in Mukono Muslim District Council on the other. This was held at Collins Hotel in  Mukono Municipality, June 8th 2023.

The councilors rose up against the Kadhi accusing him of being autocratic and usurping the  powers of duly elected officials of Mukono Muslim District, which has led to the stagnation of Muslim activities in the District.They also accused the Kadhi of refusing to put in place proper management systems and the lack of accountability of finances accruing from Animal slaughter – Halal, improper disposal of lands, and failure to operate in the designated Mukono Muslim District Headquarters in Kiyunga and instead opted to operate as the Imam at Atiq Mosque, where he frustrated the work of the Mosque Committee.

On the other hand, the majority of councilors contested the election of Abbas Mujjumba as their Chairperson. As a result, the UMSC independent Electoral Commission led by the acting Chairperson, Hon.Were Abubakar Wandangho chaired a session witnessed by His Eminence Sheikh Abdallah Ibrahim Ssemambo Tamusuza, the Deputy Mufti who represented the Mufti Sheikh Mubaje, which resolved to eject Mujjumba and ordered fresh elections. This saw a hot contest between Haj Haruna Semakula, the Managing Director of Hill Water Bottling company and one youthful Sheikh Muslim Mbogo. Eventually, Haj Semakula emerged victorious. 

The Mufti later in the evening chaired the last session where he presented the UMSC State of Affairs report to the attentive audience comprising elders, opinion leaders, Youths and Women. He later tabled the petition to his office against Sheikh Shazir Lumala the Kadhi.

He later permitted the members to react with evidence on the petition and whether or not it was necessary to relieve the Kadhi of his duties.

After long discussions, the meeting resolved to suspend the Kadhi because he was successfully pinned on all grounds raised against him.

Subsequently, Sheikh Abbas Ssenkuba, a holder of Masters Degree Holder in Sharia and Abdnoor Kasolo, a graduate of Islamic Studies were nominated for the position of the Kadhi.

The Council overwhelmingly voted Sheikh Ssenkuba prompting the Mufti to appoint him as the Acting District Kadhi while his competitor was appointed deputy. In his statement Sheikh Lumala admitted that he had indeed realized his shortcomings, agreed with decision and whole heartedly congragulated the newly appointed leaders of Mukono Muslim District. The newly elected leaders took oath of office to serve in acting capacity for six months.

In attendance were Hon. Muhammad Ali Aluma, the acting UMSC Secretary General, Sheikh Imran Ssali, the Secretary for Religious affairs, Mr. Sinan Abdu Nsenye, the UMSC Secretary for Finance & Planning and Mr. Abdu Nasser Musa Odongkara, the UMSC Secretary for Awqaf -endowment among others.