Muslim leaders in Uganda are intensifying pressure on Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, urging him to vacate his position as Mufti within two months. This call comes in accordance with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) constitution, which requires the Mufti to relinquish office after serving a single ten-year term. Mubajje, who has held the position since December 2000, faces increasing criticism from a faction of the Muslim community that questions his moral standing and leadership.
At 70 years old, Mubajje is approaching the constitutional age limit, which states that the Mufti must be no older than 75 to continue serving. Under the revised UMSC constitution, ratified in July 2022, the Mufti can serve a single 10-year term but must step down upon reaching 75 years. Mubajje, who turns 70 in March 2025, is eligible to run for re-election, but many are calling for new leadership.
Critics argue that Mubajje's tenure has been marked by a loss of credibility and allegations of mismanagement, including the controversial sale of Muslim properties in Kampala and other towns, which he denies. Sheikh Muhammad Irumba, a vocal critic of Mubajje, stated that the Mufti should step down for the greater unity of Uganda’s Muslim community. Irumba, who recently became the first deputy mufti under a parallel UMSC administration led by Sheikh Abdullah Ssemambo, emphasized that Mubajje’s departure would help foster unity within the community.
Although the UMSC spokesperson Ashiraf Zziwa acknowledged the calls for leadership change, he assured the public that the transition process was under control. He confirmed that Mubajje still meets the qualifications to run for another term but had not yet made his intentions known.
The situation remains uncertain, as multiple factions within the Muslim community have formed separate administrations, leading to a fragmented leadership structure. The UMSC, which last held elections for its General Assembly in 2022, has faced internal divisions since the original group failed to oust Mubajje, resulting in the formation of rival leadership factions. These tensions have contributed to a leadership crisis that risks further dividing Uganda's Muslim population, estimated at over 6 million.
The UMSC’s leadership turmoil and the calls for Mubajje’s resignation reflect ongoing challenges within Uganda’s Muslim community, as they navigate the complexities of leadership transition and seek to restore unity in the face of internal conflicts.
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