On April 10th, there was a disturbance during Eid al-Fitr prayers led by the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Mubaje, at the Gaddafi National Mosque in Old Kampala.
The Mufti had begun his speech when some worshippers started muttering loudly. This became so disruptive that he had to stop speaking and ask for everyone to be calm.
He requested those causing the commotion to leave the mosque if they didn’t want to pray. However, the noise continued.
Mufti Mubaje tried again to address the gathering, but his words were drowned out by the mumbling. Recognizing the rising tension, he appealed for peace a second time.
He asked the disruptive people to sit down and allow the peaceful worshippers to continue their prayers. After about a minute of noise, Mufti Mubaje finished his speech. Order was restored within two minutes, and the Eid prayers resumed.
There are reports that this incident is connected to disagreements within the Muslim leadership in Uganda. Some sources suggest the disruption may have been caused by people unhappy with Mufti Mubaje’s leadership.
This event follows Mufti Mubaje’s previous statements in January, where he urged Muslims to disregard criticism from those he called “saboteurs.”
Prior to the disruption, Mufti Mubaje had expressed appreciation for the Sheikhs who had educated people throughout Ramadan on prayer and fasting. He also called for continued unity and faith among Muslims after Ramadan.
The Mufti also addressed the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging the Ugandan government to take a position on the issue. He condemned the violence and called it a war against humanity.
