Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has announced his intention to leave office once a suitable successor is identified. During a talk show on IUIU radio station in Mbale city, Mubaje emphasized the importance of handing over power to someone committed to the development of the Muslim community. He expressed the ongoing effort to identify a qualified successor, aiming to make the transition soon.
Mubaje highlighted the financial challenges facing the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), attributing the struggle to the lack of a stable financial base. He criticized Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, who was appointed as the acting mufti of Uganda in the absence of a clear succession plan. Ssemambo had served as Mubaje’s deputy but faced suspension pending an impeachment process.
Originally expected to retire in 2025 upon turning 70, Mubaje, according to the new UMSC constitution, remains eligible for another five years. He defended the land transactions made during his tenure, asserting that they were executed in accordance with the UMSC constitution and in good faith.
Expressing regret about leasing William Street Mosque, Mubaje acknowledged leasing it contributed to building a shopping complex at Old Kampala, generating monthly income for UMSC. Regarding the Ssembabule land sale, Mubaje attributed the controversy to Haji Ramathan Mugalu, the former UMSC secretary general, turning against the organization after his removal from office.
Mubaje admitted signing the sale agreement for Ssembabule land but clarified it was in the name of Arthur Kayanja and without a 12% interest rate per month. He proposed a refund of 3.5 billion shillings to Kyabahwa, the buyer, excluding the contested interest.
In the genesis of the dispute, the sale of Ssembabule Muslim land in June 2020 triggered the conflict. Legal actions ensued, involving Enterprise Holdings Ltd and businessman Albert Muganga. Court orders compelled UMSC to transfer the certificate of title to Enterprise Uganda Ltd upon payment of unpaid contractual price. Kyabahwa sought recovery of 19 billion shillings, as well as 12% interest per month, leading to a court order for attachment of UMSC properties, including the Gaddafi National Mosque.
The Court of Appeal has intervened, halting the planned attachment of UMSC properties pending the appeal’s determination.
