MUFTI OFFICE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Muslims and other citizens of various faiths in Kisoro District to embrace government development programs, especially those designed to combat poverty in communities. ‎This message was contained in a written speech delivered on behalf of the President by Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, who was the Guest of Honour at the colorful and well-attended installation ceremony of Sheikh Ali Mwesigye — the first appointed Kadhi of Kisoro Muslim District — held in Kisoro Municipality on Saturday, October 25, 2025. ‎‎President Museveni congratulated Sheikh Ali Mwesigye upon his elevation as a servant of the Almighty Allah, appointed to lead and guide the Muslim faithful spiritually and in other spheres of life that help stabilize their communities on the right path. ‎‎The President also pledged, on behalf of the government, to work closely with the new Kadhi as he executes his religious duties. ‎ ‎“As you are all aware, President Museveni is in the race as the NRM Party flag bearer for the forthcoming national elections. He could not break election laws by presenting donations because such an act could easily be misinterpreted as a form of bribery,” Hon. Tayebwa remarked, drawing laughter from the congregants. “So, let’s pray that the elections go well,” he added. ‎ ‎Before reading the President’s speech, Hon. Tayebwa commended the close cooperation among faith groups in the district, noting that it was a clear sign of progress achieved under the NRM government. He also praised Sheikh Ali Mwesigye’s family for its interfaith diversity — his surviving mother and parental uncles are practicing Christians belonging to the Catholic Church. ‎‎In his moving speech, Sheikh Mwesigye revealed that he and his elder brother had both reverted to Islam years ago and pursued formal studies in Islamic theology. He is currently a final-year degree student in Sharia at the Islamic Call University College (ICUC) under UMSC, while his brother, who completed Thanawi (A-level) studies in Islamic education, serves as a mosque imam. ‎ ‎On his part, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, commended the Muslims of Kisoro for their remarkable progress. He recalled that when he assumed office as Mufti in 2000, Kisoro Muslims were still under Kabale Muslim District with very few mosques. ‎ ‎“It is delightful to see that you have now attained district status and established a number of mosques across different areas,” the Mufti noted. ‎‎He further praised Kisoro Muslims for producing a new Kadhi from within their area who possesses the qualifications required under the UMSC Constitution. Turning to Sheikh Mwesigye and other Kadhis present, the Mufti reminded them of their core responsibilities — to preach the word of Allah, unite the faithful, and work harmoniously with government and other faith groups under the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) to foster peace and the common good. ‎ ‎The Mufti also applauded the Kisoro Muslim District leadership under Elder Abdu Kyomukama for their vision and courage in reclaiming the UMSC’s 15-acre prime land in the heart of Kisoro Municipality that had been grabbed by unscrupulous individuals. He urged them to work closely with the UMSC Headquarters to put the land to productive use through viable development projects. ‎ ‎In conclusion, the Mufti called upon all Ugandans to actively participate in the forthcoming national elections by electing leaders who will preserve peace, stability, and inclusive development. ‎ ‎Other high-profile personalities who addressed the congregation included His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti; Haj Badru Ssebyala, Kisoro Resident District Commissioner (RDC); Hon. Niyonsaba Alex, MP for Bufumbira South Constituency; Hon. Arifeza Grace Ngabirano, Kisoro Woman MP; and Sheikh Abdu-Karim Abdallah Katamba, the Ankole–Kigezi Muslim Regional Assistant to the Mufti, among other area leaders. ‎ ‎Also present were members of the UMSC General Assembly, the National Executive Committee, the National Management Committee (Majlis Al-Ulama), and several Sheikhs. ‎ ‎Haj Zziwa Ashiraf ‎UMSC Spokesperson.

His Eminence Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, has urged all learners to be God-conscious, humble, and respectful to their parents and teachers so that they grow into responsible citizens. Dr. Sheikh Bukenya made the remarks on Friday, October 24, 2025, shortly after attending the congregational prayers at Kashenyi Main Mosque, a suburb of Mbarara City in western Uganda. He was en route to Kisoro for the installation of the new Kadhi of Kisoro Muslim District, scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2025. Following the prayers, Sheikh Bukenya offered special supplications for pupils of Madrasati Umar Kashenyi Primary School who are candidates for the upcoming Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) next week. Present during the prayers were Sheikh Abdu-Karim Abdallah Katamba, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of the Ankole–Kigezi Muslim Region; Sheikh Mukwaya, the host Kadhi of Mbarara Muslim District; and Sheikh Ismail Teffe Male, the Kadhi of Kiruhura Muslim District, among other area Muslim leaders. Before his departure, Dr. Sheikh Bukenya had a guided tour of the Ankole–Kigezi Muslim Regional Offices. Haj Zziwa Ashiraf UMSC Spokesperson.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Verily, we belong to Allah, and to Him, we shall return) – Quran 2:156 His Eminence the Mufti of Uganda extends his heartfelt condolences to the Muslim World League (MWL), the entire Muslim Ummah, and the family of the late Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, former Secretary-General of the MWL and Deputy Chairman of the Saudi Shoura Council, who passed away at the age of 86. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The death of a scholar is a loss for Islam.” Dr. Naseef’s passing is a significant loss for the Muslim world, and we pray that Allah grants him mercy and peace. We remember Dr. Naseef’s tireless efforts in promoting Islamic values, education, and humanitarian causes. His contributions to the Muslim World League, the International Islamic Relief Organization, and the World Muslim Congress are a testament to his dedication and vision. As Chairman of the University Council at Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Dr. Naseef played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s future. His wisdom, balance, and noble character inspired many. To the Muslim World League and the entire Muslim Ummah, we offer our deepest sympathies and prayers. May Allah give you patience and strength during this challenging time. May Allah grant Dr. Naseef a high rank in Jannah and comfort his loved ones during this difficult time. Ameen. May the blessings of Allah be upon him and his family. His Eminence, Sheikh Dr Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje Mufti of Uganda

His Eminence, Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, hosted a delegation of Muslim leaders from Bombo Muslim County in Luwero Muslim District on Thursday, October 2, 2025. The delegation was led by Hon. Abubakar Kalume, their District Representative to the UMSC General Assembly and Executive Member representing the East Buganda Muslim Region. ‎‎Among the leaders were elder Haj Abdu-Rahman Ismail Ddabule (former Mayor of Bombo Town), Hon. Mustafa Habib (National Chairperson, Muslim Youth Council), Sheikh Twaha Lubega (Deputy Kadhi, Luwero Muslim District), Mr. Bachu Ghadafi (District Treasurer), and Sheikh Hadad Tandiya (County Sheikh), among others. ‎ ‎They met the Mufti shortly after the Zuhr (afternoon) prayers in his office. Also present were His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti; Hon. Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, Secretary General; Hon. Counsel Haji Muhammad Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary in charge of Finance and Administration; and Hon. Abdu-Razaq Arinda, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Development, among others. ‎ ‎On behalf of the visiting delegation, Hon. Kalume read a three-page document outlining the purpose of their courtesy call. The delegation congratulated the Mufti on his re-election to the highest office, as well as his victories in multiple court cases instigated by a handful of misguided Kampala-based individuals. ‎‎The document also highlighted the historical background of Bombo Muslim County, particularly the Nubian community in Luwero and Kitubulu in Entebbe. It detailed the rich Nubian culture and the significant Muslim population growth in the area, now numbering over 50,000, including both adults and youth. The community currently has 100 mosques, 50 Islamic primary schools (in need of infrastructure improvements and trained Islamic religious teachers), two health facilities lacking adequate equipment and medicine, and two abattoirs. ‎ ‎The delegation particularly emphasized the unfinished Masjid Noor project, which was started during the reign of the late President Idi Amin. Planned to be the largest mosque in the district, it was meant to include annex offices and residences for Muslim leaders. The leaders reminded the Mufti of his pledges to support the completion of this project, as well as to provide medical equipment for health facilities. ‎ ‎Hon. Kalume concluded by requesting that Bombo be elevated to full Muslim district status, citing its historic role as a special Muslim hub with significant potential for growth and development. Elder Haj Ddabule supplemented the request with additional points on culture, education, youth, women’s affairs, and lobbying for Haj offers . ‎ ‎In his response, Mufti Mubaje expressed his delight at the visit. “I would have been amazed to hear that you did not support the UMSC, established by the late President Idi Amin who himself hailed from a Nubian community,” he remarked. ‎‎He also highlighted achievements and challenges the council has faced during his 25 years in office, and he assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed. Follow-up will be handled by the relevant council offices, particularly the Secretary General’s office and the Department of Education. ‎ ‎Dr. Sheikh Bukenya, a resident of the area, pledged half bursaries for children born in the community to study at Ubbayyi Islamic Primary School, which he founded. He also informed the gathering that his wife, a Sheikhat, is available to teach the Holy Qur’an to Muslim women in the area. ‎ ‎Before departure, the delegation gifted the Mufti with items including a he-goat, chicken, a bunch of green bananas, and a colored Nubian mat, which he warmly received. ‎ ‎Haj Zziwa Ashiraf ‎UMSC Spokesperson.

His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has safely returned home from a working visit to South Sudan. He was accompanied by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, on the official invitation of the South Sudan Islamic Council. During the two-day visit, the delegation held several engagements with Muslim leaders. They joined the Friday Juma congregational prayers at the National Mosque in Juba City, where Dr. Sheikh Bukenya was the guest preacher of the day. They later met a number of top government officials, including Gen. Kuol Manyang Juk, the Presidential Advisor on Peace, Rt. Hon. Moses Tilal, Director of Religious Affairs in the Office of the President, and H.E. Taban Deng Gai, the Vice President. The Mufti and his hosts discussed a wide range of issues on social transformation in communities, as well as matters of mutual interest between the two neighboring countries. Before departure, the Mufti was also hosted on a media talk show by the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on their national television. Haj Zziwa Ashiraf UMSC Spokesperson

His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has launched the official Habits, or Cloaks, to be worn by Kadhis during official functions as part of the instruments of Muslim leadership in their respective districts. The historic and well-attended function took place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the UMSC Conference Hall in Old Kampala. In his remarks, Mufti Mubaje urged the Kadhis, who turned up in large numbers, to always adhere to the UMSC Constitution while executing their duties. “You are all aware of the sharp challenges we have gone through in the recent past. We humbly express our profound gratitude to Almighty Allah, who sheltered us and enabled us to sail through. It is now time we marshal all our efforts and resources to enhance development within our structures,” the Mufti said. He added that the visionary nature of his administration had enabled the Council to design a self-sustaining financial mechanism, which has allowed the UMSC to operate smoothly without dependence on external aid. “You can see what is happening in the Arab world—endless and shameful conflicts and wars. Having the Holy Qur’an and the Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), we should not copy ungodly acts that promote division, hatred, and schisms. In the same breath, we are not going to accept any foreign embassy from any Muslim country dictating to us how to administer our Muslim affairs here, because we have our Constitution for guidance,” he emphasized. Mufti Mubaje further disclosed that the official Habits or Cloaks are in the legal process of being gazetted as UMSC property, and anyone found in unauthorized possession will be liable to prosecution. He noted that Regional Assistants to the Mufti, County Sheikhs, and Mosque Imams will next receive the attire. Earlier, Hon. Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, presented a first-hand state of affairs report on various activities carried out in the last quarter. Prof. Dr. Badru Kiggundu, Chairperson of the Islamic Call University College, also addressed the gathering, highlighting a resource mobilization drive for needy students. He called on Kadhis to use their influence to encourage the faithful to contribute to the initiative, regardless of the amount. The event was also attended by His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti, Dr. Sheikh Ziyadi Swaleh Lubanga, the Director of Sharia, and other UMSC departmental heads. Haj Zziwa Ashiraf UMSC Spokesperson.

The African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace (ACRL-RfP), at its 5th General Assembly held recently in Nairobi, Kenya, re-appointed His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, as Co-Chair for another five-year term. This development was revealed by Mufti Mubaje while chairing the weekly UMSC National Management Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the UMSC headquarters. The Mufti informed departmental heads that the Assembly convenes once every five years. He disclosed that he had long requested the African Religious Body to allow him to retire from the position, which he has held for the past 25 years, having been elected alongside His Grace Cardinal Dr. John Onayeikan, the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Nigeria. “The Assembly unanimously turned down my request, reasoning that being a senior member, they still needed my presence to steer the Body’s programs alongside the Most Reverend Albert Chama, the Anglican Archbishop of Zambia, who was recently appointed,” Mufti Mubaje remarked. “Additionally, our Secretary General was recently elevated as the Secretary General of the World Council of Religions for Peace International, and he is set to commence his official tenure in January 2026 at the World Body’s headquarters in New York, USA. It was therefore realized that if senior officials moved out all at once during this transitional period, it could create gaps in the administration.” The Mufti also shared with members two key documents released during the Assembly. The first was the Nairobi Declaration on Shared Sacred Flourishing for Peace and Justice in Africa, a three-page document that reaffirmed members’ shared responsibility to heal the African continent and safeguard common humanity. It emphasized the commitment to concrete action, guided by the conviction that peace, justice, and human flourishing are sacred imperatives that shape policies, partnerships, and daily witness. The Declaration also called for urgent engagement with stakeholders to help stop ongoing conflicts in war-torn countries, including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The second was A Transformational Vision for Development and Peace Strategic Plan 2025–2030, a roadmap outlining the Council’s strategic direction across peacebuilding, democratic governance, environmental resilience, and the protection of human dignity. Also present at the UMSC meeting were His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Wasswa, the Deputy Mufti, and Hon. Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General. Haji Zziwa Ashiraf UMSC Spokesperson

His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti of Uganda, presented a concept paper on the technical aspects of Holy Quran recitation at an international forum organized by the Muslim World League (MWL) in the Holy City of Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The forum was officially opened by His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Abdul-Karim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, a Saudi Arabia-based international Islamic organization. Participants were taken through best practices in Quran memorization techniques, as well as high-level communication skills related to Quranic recitation. Attendees from various parts of the world also joined the forum via video conferencing. On a lighter note, Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Abdul-Karim Al-Issa was among the international personalities who recently met with His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, during the World Council of Religious Leaders meeting held in Istanbul, the cultural capital of the Republic of Türkiye. Haj Zziwa Ashiraf UMSC Spokesperson.