The Jinja High Court has started hearing a significant petition filed by a group of Muslims against the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). The petitioners have raised concerns about the council’s actions, including what they describe as the illegal sale of Muslim properties in the country.
The petitioners, Yudaya Babirye, Burhan Namanya, Hussein Ssimbwa, and 15 others, are represented by lawyer Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola. The UMSC General Assembly is represented by lawyer Siraje Kakeeto.
The case had previously faced delays due to the suspension of two lawyers, Moses Kabega and Muhamood Kibwanga Makmot, who were barred from representing UMSC because they were members of its general assembly. Justice Faridah Shamillah Bukirwa Ntambi, who is handling the case, informed the court last month that Principal Judge Flavian Zeija had recalled the file.
Upon the file’s return to the High Court, Justice Ntambi ordered all parties to reconvene on May 15, 2024, ensuring that UMSC had proper legal representation. She emphasized the need for UMSC to replace the suspended lawyers immediately to ensure a fair hearing.
Justice Ntambi stated, “With immediate effect, you have to replace your lawyers (the duo) who were suspended from representing the UMSC since they are members of the general assembly. We need the council to have a fair hearing and balance in court since they will ably interpret the proceedings.”
This directive followed two previous court sessions that proceeded without UMSC having any legal representation. Ali Aluma, the UMSC general secretary, had requested two months to appoint new lawyers through the council’s structures. However, the court denied this request, citing the need to avoid delays in justice.
Nalukoola, representing the petitioners, argued against the two-month extension, stating that it would unnecessarily delay justice. He also mentioned that the UMSC executive was publicly retired during a general meeting at Gangu Muslim Primary School, thus it could no longer unite the Muslim community.
Kakeeto, the lawyer for the general assembly, also opposed the two-month extension, suggesting it would affect court proceedings. He requested the court to allow him to make their submissions since the main suit was set to be heard.
The case against the UMSC was officially filed at the Jinja High Court, focusing on the council’s alleged misconduct, including the illegal sale of Muslim properties. On December 12, 2023, Justice Bukirwa accepted the petition and issued several orders, including one for a special sitting of the supreme council at a neutral venue to review its affairs.
Following this order, a council meeting was held at Gangu Muslim Primary School in Kampala. During this meeting, the General Assembly resolved to suspend the UMSC executive committee and elected Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo as the acting Mufti for six months.
Now, the Jinja High Court is set to delve into these issues and provide a fair ruling on the matter.
