Author name: Haj Zziwa Ashiraf | UMSC Spokesperson

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) National Management Committee, under the chairmanship of His Eminence, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, held a constructive dialogue with Sheikh Swaleh Mubiru regarding his recent theological discourses that had stirred intense debate and confusion among sections of the Muslim community. The interaction, held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the UMSC Boardroom, followed a series of exchanges and personal attacks circulating on social media between Muslim clerics over Sheikh Mubiru’s teachings. The meeting sought to provide clarity on the doctrines he has been promoting among believers. The session was attended by UMSC department heads and invited guests, including Sheikh Uthuman Kibuuka (Abu Najiba), Sheikh Nadawi Galimaka Kaluuma—representing the executive of Jamuiyyat Tabliigh Da’aawa Assalafiyya based at Nakasero Mosque—and Shafik Kayondo, who accompanied Sheikh Mubiru. In his opening remarks, the Mufti highlighted the challenges facing the global Muslim community, noting that internal conflicts and divisions are often fueled by individuals pursuing selfish interests—material, political, or intellectual. “These divisions have caused discord, bloodshed, wars, and confusion among believers,” remarked the Mufti. Dr. Mubaje noted that during a recent visit to Turkiye, he came across audio and video recordings of Sheikh Mubiru’s teachings, which he had categorized into ten theological points. “I found the explanations erroneous and vague—a view shared by many other Muslim clerics,” the Mufti said. At his request, Sheikh Imran Ssali, the UMSC Secretary for Religious Affairs, played the audio clip before the committee. Sheikh Mubiru confirmed that the voice was his and clarified that the message was delivered to his usual congregation during his regular Darusu sessions at Aldinah Mosque in Kampala, where he has preached for over 35 years. The Mufti then guided the meeting’s structure, allowing each cleric to respond to the issues raised by Sheikh Mubiru, many of which, he noted, appeared to contradict mainstream Islamic theology. Introducing himself, Sheikh Mubiru said he was a graduate of Islamic Education from a Saudi Arabian institution and had previously served at UMSC headquarters during the tenure of the late Mufti Sheikh Saad Ibrahim Luwemba in the 1990s. When asked if he still stood by his teachings, Sheikh Mubiru responded: “I am ready to change if I am convinced with facts drawn from the Holy Qur’an only He, however, requested that the meeting be postponed, expressing concern that it might turn into a debate with his long-time critics from Jamuiyyat Tabliigh Da’aawa Assalafiyya. After extensive persuasion, he agreed to proceed. The Mufti further asked whether Sheikh Mubiru acknowledged the four sources of Islamic jurisprudence—the Qur’an, Hadith, consensus (Ijma’), and analogy (Qiyas)—as established by classical Islamic scholars. Sheikh Mubiru affirmed his belief in them but stressed that only the Qur’an contained the authentic divine laws revealed by Allah. His position drew mixed reactions from several clerics, including Sheikh Salim Bbosa, Deputy Director of Sharia, Sheikh Uthuman Kibuuka, and Sheikh Nadawi Galimaka Kaluuma, who accused him of misquoting the Qur’an and disregarding Hadith and classical exegesis. Sheikh Mubiru denied these claims, insisting that Islamic teachings must be strictly Qur’an-based, citing examples such as the story of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail, and the celebration of Mawlid, which he said are not mentioned in the Qur’an. Dr. Sheikh Ziyad Swaleh Lubanga, Director of Sharia, contextualized Sheikh Mubiru’s teachings within earlier movements associated with the Quraniyuni (Qur’an-only) ideology—belief systems that historically rejected Hadith and scholarly consensus. Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu added that he had encountered similar groups during his studies in Tanzania, noting that such views were long discredited by mainstream scholars. “It appears Sheikh Mubiru is trying to revive an old and misguided line of thought that adds little to the spiritual growth or practical understanding of Islam,” observed the Mufti. After lengthy deliberations, and under the Mufti’s guidance, members resolved that since Sheikh Mubiru had reaffirmed his belief in the four principles of Islamic jurisprudence, another meeting would be convened on Monday, October 13, 2025, with selected scholars to further deliberate on the remaining issues. Haj Zziwa Ashiraf UMSC Spokesperson

‎‎The function followed earlier speeches delivered by key figures, including Mufti Mubaje, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga (Presidential Advisor), Sheikh Said Kasawuli, Sheikh Abdu Malik Kayole (District Kadhi of Rukungiri), among others. ‎‎In his remarks, Mufti Mubaje paid tribute to the President for ushering in political stability and development during his 40 years in leadership. ‎‎“Your Excellency, Ugandans who lived prior to your government can truly testify how far you have brought this nation. Your tireless efforts have not been in vain. Thank you for bringing us together without discrimination,” Mufti Mubaje said. ‎‎He further thanked the President for his continuous support to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), which has enabled the body to coordinate religious activities nationwide. He also briefed the gathering on UMSC’s ongoing and upcoming developmental programs. ‎ ‎Mr. Byaruhanga revealed that the sponsorship of the pilgrims was in response to a request by Sheikh Kasawuli’s Association of Imams, and coordinated with the Mufti’s office to ensure 100 Muslims were successfully selected. ‎‎On his part, Sheikh Kasawuli thanked the President for fulfilling his pledge and appealed for the number of sponsored pilgrims to be increased to 150. President Museveni responded that the request would be considered, provided a proper selection mechanism is put in place. ‎“I will have time in the near future and invite the Mufti so that we can discuss all the issues concerning Muslims,” Museveni assured, as he bid farewell to the cheering pilgrims. ‎ ‎The event was attended by top UMSC officials, including Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa (Deputy Mufti), Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya(2nd Deputy Mufti), Hon. Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi (Secretary General), Counsel Haji Muhammad Ali Aluma (Deputy Secretary General, Administration & Finance), Regional Assistants to the Mufti, District Kadhis, members of the General Assembly, the Executive Committee, and other prominent Sheikhs. ‎Haj Zziwa Ashiraf ‎UMSC Spokesperson

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), comprising 57 countries including Uganda, will commemorate the Birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) annually, starting this Islamic year 1447 (corresponding to 2025). This announcement was part of a moving speech delivered by His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti of Uganda, who represented the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr.Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, as Chief Guest at a colourful function held to mark the Prophet’s birth at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Sheikh Waiswa read to the attentive congregation a two-page communication issued by the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a few months ago. The communication reminded all member states of Resolution No. 15/51C passed during the 51st Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on June 21–22, 2025, under the theme “The OIC in a Transforming World.” The resolution, passed to commemorate the 1500th Anniversary of the Birth of Prophet Muhammad, called upon member states to organize cultural, educational, and scholarly activities, launch media campaigns promoting an accurate understanding of Islam and the Sunnah, and organize charitable and humanitarian activities reflecting Prophetic teachings. Sheikh Waiswa highlighted how the world today is engulfed by irreligious tendencies and widespread hostility against Islam, with some forces circulating blasphemous content against Allah and the Prophet Muhammad. “We need such gatherings where the true image of our Prophet can be shared with the wider public,” Sheikh Waiswa noted. He urged Muslims to remain united and to support programmes that advance the noble causes of Islam. He also reminded District Kadhis to beware of unscrupulous individuals using the UMSC structure for selfish monetary gain. “Always consult the UMSC headquarters so that you don’t fall prey to such people in your respective areas,” he said. Turning to national matters, Sheikh Waiswa cautioned Ugandans to maintain peace during the forthcoming national elections and warned against being divided by competing political ideologies. He advised aspiring candidates not to mortgage their property or take on huge debts for political contests. He concluded by urging Muslims to offer unwavering support for the UMSC’s 10-year Strategic Development Plan. Earlier, UMSC Secretary General Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi presented a State of Affairs report, while KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifa Buzeki spoke about the Prophet’s divine legacy, including equality and compassion for the needy, and shared upcoming KCCA social events. Several religious leaders also addressed the gathering. Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, UMSC Secretary for Education, said: “The name Muhammad means ‘praised one,’ so the celebrations of his birth are indeed worth marking.” Former Deputy Mufti Sheikh Khatwib Mukuluwakiika challenged critics of the commemoration, asking: “Did you expect the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday to pass unnoticed like any other day?” Sheikh Shaban Abujafar Karala, the Kadhi of Arua Muslim District represented fellow Kadhis encouraged the Muslim faithful to keep marking the prophet’s birth reasoning that it is a spiritual benefit upon them. Egyptian guests added to the atmosphere by reciting poems praising the Prophet. The event was attended by UMSC executives, heads of department, H.E. Majid Saffar, the Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, Dr. Haj Edris Serugo Kasenene, and Dr. Haj Ramadhan Mugalu, both former UMSC Secretary Generals, among many others. Haj Zziwa Ashiraf UMSC Spokesperson

His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, arrived in Juba, the capital of the Republic of South Sudan, early morning on September 4th, 2025, accompanied by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti. They are conducting a two-day working visit at the invitation of the South Sudan Islamic Council and will hold courtesy meetings with top government officials. At Juba International Airport, H.E. Sheikh Walid Jumbulat Walid, Secretary General of the South Sudan Islamic Council for Central Equatorial State; Sheikh Juma Saed Ali, Presidential Advisor on Islamic Affairs; H.E. Sheikh Al Haj Twaha Uthuman Musa Kajaaya, Special Envoy of the Mufti in South Sudan; and other senior Muslim leaders welcomed them. Haj Zziwa Ashiraf UMSC Spokesperson