UMSC General Assembly Ends Peacefully
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) General Assembly concluded its annual meeting for 2023. The Assembly experienced a high turnover of 239 out of 264 members, with only a few members sending their apologies. The session, which was notably peaceful and cordial contrary to expectations, was chaired by UMSC National Chairperson, Honorable Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira, alongside his Deputy, Haj Muzamir Abon. Also present were His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Abdallah Ibrahim Ssemambo Tamusuza, the Deputy Mufti, His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, and other National members of the Management committee.
Following the closure of the Assembly, Honorable Hadji Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya, the UMSC Secretary General, held a media briefing in his office. He highlighted that several resolutions were overwhelmingly passed by the House in line with the adopted order paper at the start of the deliberations. Before passing the resolutions, the House received key presentations outlining achievements and challenges encountered since the beginning of 2023. These presentations addressed prevailing challenges, particularly concerning the disposal of Council property in Sembabule Muslim District. Notable communicators included His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, Honorable Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega, and Honorable Muluubya, the UMSC Secretary General. The Assembly Members had ample time to deliberate on departmental reports detailing completed activities. These reports covered various sectors such as Finance, Education, Sharia Directorate, Hija and UMRA, Awqaf-Endowment, Religious Affairs, Women and Children, Youth, Regional Administration, construction initiatives, the Electoral Commission, engagements with developmental partners like Unicef and IRCU, collaborations with the Uganda Government and other countries including the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and international organizations. Additionally, expert legal opinions on the ongoing land dispute between UMSC and businessman Justus Kyabahwa were presented. Measures were also discussed for disciplining errant fellow Assembly colleagues. Several resolutions were passed, including the approval of Honorable Hadji Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya as the substantive Secretary and Honorable Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma as Acting Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Finance and Administration. The House approved a budget estimate of Ugandan Shillings 32 billion for the forthcoming financial year. It was decided to pursue and explore all legal channels to resolve the land dispute with Mr. Justus Kyabahwa, seeking fair arbitration while rejecting underhanded mechanisms aimed at seizing Council properties, specifically earmarked compensation funds from the Government. A subcommittee was established to handle misinformation and fake news circulated on various social media platforms by hostile cliques and misguided elements within the Muslim community. Furthermore, six Assembly Members were suspended for exhibiting severe indiscipline and will face a committee specifically established to ensure a fair hearing. These members include Haj Abdul Kiyimba from Lwengo, Sheikh Musa Muyinda from Lubaga, Mr. Ssendagire Mudathir from Shema, Ms. Zulaikha Kamara, the woman representative of Kampala, Ms. Sulaina Kigongo, the woman representative of East Buganda, and Mr. Ramazan, whose second name has not been identified by the media.
The meeting was attended by the Regional Assistants to the Mufti and members of the UMSC Staff.