The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has issued a strong and unprecedented warning to members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Entrepreneurs League, urging them not to elect Hajj Hassan Basajjabalaba as their national chairman.
The caution was delivered during Jumah prayers on Friday at the UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala, where senior Muslim clerics used the pulpit to speak openly about the moral crisis in political leadership, this time naming names and pulling no punches.
“Leadership is a trust from Allah, not a license to plunder,” declared Sheikh Muhammed Ssemambo, one of the khatibs. “A man who has abused the offices of both religion and business cannot be trusted with any other. We urge the NRM delegates, do not give him your vote. He has no integrity.”
Sheikh Ssemambo’s comments directly referenced Basajjabalaba’s controversial tenure within the Muslim leadership, including his ouster from the UMSC General Assembly less than two years ago. His removal followed bitter internal wrangles and accusations of violating the UMSC constitution, dividing the Muslim community, and leveraging his position for personal enrichment.
“We have seen what happens when such men are put in charge,” added Sheikh Abdul Hafiz Ssenoga from Masaka. “Instead of unity, they bring division. Instead of service, they bring self-service. We must speak the truth, even if it makes some uncomfortable.”
Clerics also reminded worshippers of Basajjabalaba’s well-documented scandals, including the Shs 142 billion market compensation saga, alleged use of forged court documents to evade taxes, and long-standing land disputes involving Muslim community property.
“This is not gossip, it’s public record,” said Sheikh Ramathan Kakande of Mukono. “If we ignore history, we are bound to repeat it. NRM will be handing the Entrepreneurs League back to a man whose name only appears in headlines when money is missing.”
Outside the mosque, following the sermon, small groups of worshippers gathered in discussion—many expressing support for the clerics’ bold stance.
“We are grateful that our leaders have spoken plainly,” said Hajjat Aisha Namutebi, a businesswoman from Kawempe. “We cannot keep elevating people who enrich only their families and leave the rest of us behind. Delegates must understand that electing such a person is like signing a blank cheque for corruption.”
Hajji Yusuf Wamala, a trader from Nakasero, echoed the sentiment. “When a religious institution like the UMSC publicly warns against someone, you know the issue is serious. NRM delegates must think beyond politics, this is a matter of values.”
With elections for the NRM Entrepreneurs League scheduled for August 25th, the UMSC’s firm opposition to Basajjabalaba’s bid could significantly influence voting patterns, especially among Muslim delegates still feeling betrayed by his past leadership within the country’s top Islamic administrative body.
