The joint session of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has suspended Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, citing allegations of violating the council’s constitution and displaying inappropriate behavior. The joint session, comprising the National Executive Committee and the College of Sheikh (Majlis Ulama), unanimously decided to suspend Ssemambo following a petition submitted by 16 members.
Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, who has been the Deputy Mufti in charge of Religious Affairs for the past 14 years, took an unexpected turn by aligning himself with a dissenting group that organized a general assembly. This assembly resulted in the suspension and public retirement of Mufti Ramadhan Mubaje, with Ssemambo subsequently appointed as the Acting Mufti.
The suspension of Ssemambo comes amid factional disputes within the UMSC, triggered by opposition to the present leadership and allegations of mismanagement of Muslim properties. The group led by Ssemambo declared the suspension of Mufti Mubaje, citing public interest, and appointed Ssemambo as the Acting Mufti.
Ssemambo’s removal from office is based on two primary reasons, as outlined in the council’s constitution. First, his alleged involvement in irregular proceedings and presenting himself to be sworn in as the Acting Mufti contrary to the UMSC constitution. Second, conspiring to abrogate and disregard the council’s constitution, which he had sworn under oath to protect.
After the suspension, UMSC General Secretary Hadji Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya issued a public warning, advising individuals to avoid any involvement with Ssemambo, emphasizing that he is no longer recognized as a member of the UMSC. The council plans to initiate a process to replace Ssemambo in accordance with their constitution.
Despite the suspension, the spokesperson for the Ssemambo faction, Latif Kayanja, maintains that Ssemambo is the legitimate Mufti of Uganda and dismisses the process as a charade involving questionable individuals. Kayanja highlights the faction’s patient approach, awaiting the court’s ruling before deciding on further actions.
