• Office of H.E the Mufti, Religious Affairs
• By: Ashiraf Zziwa

Former Presidential candidate, Elton Joseph Male Mabirizi, paid a courtesy visit to His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, at his office at UMSC Headquarters in Old Kampala on Tuesday, October 24th, 2023.
During the visit, Mr. Mabirizi shared his vision for good governance in Uganda. He presented his ideas in a booklet titled “Munansi (Citizen, Sauti Ya Wanainchi): The Unstoppable National Revival.” He also raised concerns about what he termed as evident gaps in the current National Resistance Movement-NRM Government, which, according to him, has failed to address issues affecting ordinary Ugandan citizens.
He highlighted human rights violations, widespread corruption, detention of citizens without trial, embezzlement of public funds, high taxes, youth unemployment, and poverty, among others. Mabirizi expressed the hope that religious leaders, including the Mufti, would voice these concerns to the incumbent government under H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In response, Mufti Mubaje highlighted the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and its ongoing income-generating projects. He acknowledged the issue of corruption within government authorities and urged politicians to work towards achieving the values of a peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous nation where citizens have access to quality healthcare, education, and skills empowerment.
Mubaje emphasized the importance of dialogue among political parties, citing the example of the recent government-sponsored trip for religious leaders to tour the oil wells in the Albertine region. He encouraged politicians to collaborate for the greater good of Uganda and Africa, given the nation’s abundant natural resources.
The meeting was also attended by His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, and Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, the UMSC Acting Secretary General. They discussed alternative dispute resolution through dialogue among politicians. In conclusion, the Mufti and Mr. Mabirizi agreed to promote the idea of a roundtable dialogue involving individuals with diverse ideas to safeguard peace in the country.