By Newsday team
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has re-elected Sheikh Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje as the Mufti of Uganda following the expiration of his previous tenure upon reaching the constitutional age limit of 70. The decision was made by the Majlis Al-Ulama (College of Sheikhs) and unanimously approved by the Joint Session of the UMSC.
The announcement was made by Dr. Sheikh Ziyadi Swaleh Lubanga, the Director of Sharia, during a media briefing at UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala on March 13, 2025. He also revealed that Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa had been elected as the First Deputy Mufti of Uganda.
Sheikh Mubaje, who turned 70 on March 12, 2025, was originally elected under the UMSC Constitution as amended in 1987, which stipulated that a Mufti remains in office until that age. However, the current UMSC Constitution, amended in 2022, introduced a transitional clause under Article 29(12), which does not allow automatic extensions for those serving under the old constitution.
National Chairperson Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira explained, “Uganda should have a new Mufti today, 13 March 2025, through the new constitution as amended in 2022. Article 5(2) gives all powers of selecting a Mufti to the Majlis Al-Ulama, which does so by consensus and in camera.”
According to him, the Secretary General had notified the National Chairman of Sheikh Mubaje’s impending end of tenure on January 6, 2025. As a result, the Majlis Al-Ulama convened on February 20, 2025, to select a new Mufti, and the Joint Session was scheduled for the same day.
Prof. Kisambira stated, “In their report to the Joint Session, Majlis Al-Ulama informed that, with the help of the UMSC lawyer, Dr. Makmot Adam Kibwanga, they found no constitutional contradiction to consider Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje. This option was based on the need for continuity and stability to prepare for a smooth transition for the UMSC leadership through providing for a transitional term.”
The Majlis Al-Ulama, after its deliberations, chose Sheikh Mubaje as the new Mufti of Uganda and Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa as the First Deputy Mufti of Uganda. Prof. Kisambira emphasized, “These will be fresh new terms under the new constitution and not an extension. The term shall be subject to the provisions of Article 5(9), and persons selected will not be eligible to seek the office of the Mufti after expiration of his tenure.”
He further announced, “I am therefore happy to inform the Muslim Ummah and country at large that Sheikh Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje is the new Mufti of Uganda and Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa is the First Deputy Mufti of Uganda as at today, 13th March 2025.”
Prof. Kisambira also addressed a legal challenge that sought to block the transition, referring to HCMC No. 0065 of 2025 (Nsimbe Swaibu & 3 Others vs. Uganda Muslim Supreme Council & 44 Others).
He explained, “Two applications—HCMA 181 of 2025, seeking a temporary injunction restraining the swearing-in of the Mufti, and HCMA 182 of 2025, seeking an interim order restraining the swearing-in pending the determination of HCMA 181 of 2025—were filed. The applications were fixed for March 11, 2025, and set for hearing on March 12, 2025, at 2:00 pm. UMSC was served at around 1:30 pm. We honored court and appeared with our lawyers.”
However, he clarified, “Court was not persuaded by the applicants, and both applications were denied. Court ordered the respondents to make defense submissions by March 19, 2025, and set a hearing of the case on March 24, 2025.”
He reassured the Muslim community, “We as UMSC did not go to court and are free to continue with our business as usual. There is no injunction or order stopping any happening at UMSC or in our operations.”
Prof. Kisambira also cautioned against misinformation regarding UMSC matters, urging the media and social media users to verify information before publishing.
In his remarks, Mufti Mubaje paid special tribute to his mother, saying, “I never figured out that my birthday could one day be widely circulated to get known among Muslims.” He recounted the brief history of UMSC, including its pressing challenges and achievements.
He emphasized, “I had never expressed my bid for the re-election.” However, he expressed profound gratitude to the Majlis Al-Ulama for trusting him and his deputy to return and serve. “We pledge to execute our duties as expected,” he said, acknowledging that the new term is transitional to facilitate a smooth leadership transfer and strengthen UMSC structures.
He assured the Muslim faithful that “UMSC is on the right track to be self-reliant without depending on any foreign influence and committed to mutual understanding and cooperation.” He urged Muslims to “remain united and offer unwavering support towards development.”
On his part, Sheikh Waiswa expressed appreciation to the Majlis for trusting them to continue serving the community for the next five years.
The event was attended by UMSC officials at all levels.
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