UMSC Condemns Unauthorized Suspension of Mufti Amidst Controversial Court Ruling
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) strongly opposed the recent suspension of His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, orchestrated by a group claiming to represent Sunni Muslims.
The decision stemmed from a controversial court ruling instigated by three unidentified individuals and presided over by Hon. Justice Farida Sharmila Bikirwa. The ruling prompted an alleged special General Assembly session, held at Gganggu Islamic Primary School, to replace Mufti Mubaje with Sheikh Abdallah Ibrahim Ssemambo Tamusuza.
However, the UMSC, through its Secretary General, Hon Hadji Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya, and his deputy, Hon Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, contested the legality of this decision. They pointed out that the court ruling selectively interpreted a subsection of the UMSC Constitution and that the assembly failed to adhere to the prescribed UMSC protocols, rendering their decision null and void.
In a media briefing at the UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala on Dec 18th, 2023, the UMSC reiterated that Mufti Mubaje remains in office, urging the Muslim community to disregard any misleading information regarding changes in UMSC leadership. Sheikh Abdu-Karim Abdallah Katamba, Director of Halaal department / Acting Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of Ankole-Kigezi Muslim region, supported this stance.
Meanwhile, the High Court at Jinja, under Hon. Justice Dr. Winifred. Nabisinde has issued an order halting the execution and implementation of the previous order obtained by the three petitioners. This latest court order remains in effect pending the disposal of the main miscellaneous application on December 22, 2023.