The Uganda Supreme Council (UMSC) has reassured the Muslim community that Sheikh Ramadhan Mubaje is still the Mufti of Uganda, despite recent developments.
On Sunday afternoon, Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, the former first deputy Mufti of Uganda, was appointed as the acting Mufti to replace Mubaje.
This decision was made during a special session of the UMSC general assembly held at Gangu Primary School in Wakiso district. Additionally, the assembly members initiated an investigation against Mubaje.
These actions were prompted by a court order that authorized Yudaya Babirye, Burhan Namanya, and Hussein to organize a special session of the UMSC general assembly.
The court order, issued on December 12 by Justice Faraday Shamilah Bukirwa Ntambi of Jinja High Court, required the assembly to discuss the state of the UMSC and submit a report on the proceedings to the court.
Following his appointment as the acting Mufti, Ssemambo expressed his commitment to resolving the issues concerning Muslim property in the country.
He stated his willingness to work with all Muslims and requested their support in overcoming the challenges he may face in his role at the UMSC headquarters.
Contrary to Ssemambo’s appointment, UMSC Secretary General Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya confirmed that Mubaje is still the legitimate Mufti of Uganda.
He emphasised that the rules governing the council clearly outline the procedures for suspension or impeachment, which have not been followed in Mubaje’s case.
UMSC spokesperson Ashraf Zziwa argued that Ssemambo’s appointment was illegal, stating that he took an oath on the streets rather than adhering to the proper procedures.
Zziwa announced that they would address the matter in court, highlighting that Ssemambo’s appointment was not by the established protocols.
Zziwa also questioned the authenticity of those claiming to be members of the UMSC general assembly and organising the special session, raising concerns about the source of their funding for such an event.
It was reported that on June 24, 2020, the UMSC, represented by its former Secretary General Ramathan Mugalu, Mufti Shaban Ramathan Mubajje, and former chairperson Abdulkadir Idi Balonde (deceased), sold two square miles of land in Ssembabule district to businessman Justus Kyabahwa.
However, due to existing lease agreements on the land, the UMSC failed to transfer ownership to the businessman or refund the money, resulting in a debt of 19 billion Shillings.
The High Court granted an order to attach various UMSC properties to recover the debt.
Nevertheless, the Court of Appeal temporarily halted the auctioning of UMSC properties, citing irregularities and malice in the attachment orders.
The ongoing controversy surrounding the Mufti’s position appears to have roots in previous events, including the review of the UMSC constitution, the election period, and the December 2022 general assembly.
During the assembly, conflicts arose between the Hussein Bassajabala faction, led by Abdul Kyimba, and the Mubaje faction. Bassajabala sought to reclaim the position of chairperson of the general assembly but faced opposition due to his previous impeachment, which rendered him ineligible under the UMSC constitution.