College of Sheikhs extend Mufti Mubaje’s tenure by more five years

Kampala, (UG):– The College of Eminent Sheikhs (Majlis Al-Ulama) in Uganda has extended the tenure of Grand Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje for another five years, a move that has sparked heated debate within the country’s Muslim community.

Mubaje, who has served as Mufti of Uganda since 2000 under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), was expected to step down upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70, as outlined in the 1986 UMSC constitution.

However, the UMSC chairperson, Prof. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, clarified that legal consultations found no constitutional barriers preventing the longest-serving Mufti from continuing his leadership under the new 2022 UMSC constitution.

“In their report to the Joint Session, Majlis Al-Ulama, with the guidance of UMSC lawyer Dr. Makmot Adam Kibwanga, found no constitutional contradiction in considering Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje,” Kisambira stated, as quoted by a local daily.

The UMSC emphasized that the decision taken by the College of Sheikhs was not merely an extension but a new term under the revised constitution, adding that continuity and stability were key considerations.

“Ultimately, they selected Sheikh Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje as the new Mufti of Uganda and Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa as the First Deputy Mufti. These are fresh terms under the new constitution, not an extension of the previous tenure,” Kisambira explained.

Additionally, the College endorsed and renewed the tenure of Sheikh Waiswa, who has worked alongside Mubajje for over two decades, to continue as his deputy.

The Sheikhs’ decision to renew Mubaje and his deputy’s terms has already drawn criticism from some Muslim scholars and leaders, who argue that it undermines constitutional provisions.

A judicial review application challenging Mubaje’s eligibility for another term, which is before the Civil Division of the High Court, is set to be heard next week on March 19, with Justice Emmanuel Baguma warning that if UMSC organs proceed with endorsing Mubaje before the ruling, the decision could be nullified.

Kisambira, however, maintains that despite the legal challenge and anticipated ruling, the operations of the Muslim Supreme Council remain unaffected. “We, as UMSC, did not go to court and are free to conduct our business as usual. There is no injunction or order stopping any activities at UMSC,” he said.