• Independent Electoral Commission
• By: Ashiraf Zziwa

His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has called upon Muslims in Kwarikwari County, Kumi Muslim District, to prioritize unity, brotherhood, and development instead of engaging in unproductive disputes over the County Sheikh position. The Mufti noted this in a meeting with Imams from Kwarikwari County at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Headquarters in Old Kampala on June 14th, 2023.

The Muslim leaders led by Sheikh Sulaiman Musambule, visited the Mufti to address their grievances regarding Sheikh Abdul-Wahab Kauta, the Kadhi of Kumi Muslim District. They alleged that Sheikh Kauta had violated the UMSC Constitution by imposing a County Sheikh whose nomination did not follow the prescribed procedures outlined in Article 23(3) of the constitution. They also accused the UMSC Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson of confirming the rival County Sheikh, leading to confusion and internal conflicts among the Muslim community in the county.

Earlier, Hon. Muhammad Ali Aluma, the UMSC Secretary General, and Sheikh Imran Ssali, the Secretary for Religious Affairs, advised lower-level Muslim leaders to familiarize themselves with the UMSC Constitution and abide by its hierarchy, recommending that such matters should be resolved at the district council level before escalating to the UMSC Headquarters. Despite the leaders’ failure to follow the established procedure, they expressed gratitude for the Mufti’s willingness to meet with them.

In response, Hon. Were Abubaker Wadangho, the UMSC Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson, refuted the accusations and clarified that the decisions made during the previous UMSC elections were based on the UMSC Constitution. He explained that the appointment of the County Sheikh was the responsibility of the District Kadhi, guided by the County Committee’s nomination.

He stated that he consulted the Kadhi, who informed him that Sheikh Hamede Musa was the rightful County Sheikh, contested by the complainants. After careful examination of the UMSC Constitution and considering the challenges raised by all parties involved in Kwarikwari County, the UMSC Independent Electoral Commission proposed organizing fresh elections to select credible members for the County Committee. The elected members would then nominate candidates for the County Sheikh position, subject to appointment by the District Kadhi. The complainants accepted this proposal. The Mufti supported the recommendation and urged the Muslims of Kwarikwari County to exercise their rights by participating in the upcoming elections, the date of which will be announced by the UMSC Independent Electoral Commission. He further advised the community to elect leaders who possess the qualifications outlined in the UMSC Constitution.