Chaos unfolded during prayers at Abubakar Mosque in Mbarara City as a group of protesters voiced their dissatisfaction with the leadership of Sheikh Ramathan Mubajje. The demonstration was sparked by reports of a pro-Mubajje group seeking support and solidarity signatures among the Muslim community in Mbarara.
The protesters, claiming mismanagement of Islamic properties, accused the leadership of nearly selling valuable assets. Ssempira Kakuuri voiced concerns, stating, “We can’t allow this. They have almost sold everything we used to own.” Demonstrator Suleiman Mbaziira accused the Muslim leadership of betrayal, emphasizing their objection to manipulation of local communities.
Imam Sheikh Abdul Fattah Ishaq condemned the disruption, expressing disappointment at the group’s choice to protest during prayers. Mbarara City Khadhi Sheikh Abdullah Mukwaya referred to the demonstrators as “opportunists” and clarified that the issues were being addressed in court in Kampala, emphasizing adherence to the UMSC constitution.
The protesters, present for over 30 minutes, left, claiming to have successfully conveyed their message against perceived manipulation and called for a change in leadership. Senfuma Bashir emphasized, “We have clearly sent out our message that we don’t want them anymore and should not manipulate our local people to stay in power.”
