Summary:

• The Busoga Regional Islamic Council, led by Sheikh Muhammed Hussain Bowa, disputes the appointment of the new Uganda Mufti, alleging an unlawful process, while expressing solidarity with Sheikh Ramathan Mubajje amid legal challenges, with calls for unity and transparency from the Supreme Muslim Council representative Sheikh Songolo Shafic Edirisa.

The Busoga Regional Islamic Council, led by Sheikh Muhammed Hussain Bowa, has expressed disagreement with the newly appointed Uganda Mufti who succeeded Sheikh Ramathan Mubajje. This disagreement unfolded during a meeting at the Iganga Muslim headquarters in Iganga municipality, where Sheikh Bowa, along with district leaders from Iganga, Namutumba, Namayingo, Kaliro, Jinja, Bugiri, and Mayuge, gathered.

Sheikh Bowa asserted that the purported successor was appointed unlawfully, without the requisite authorities coming together to make the decision. He criticized the process, stating, “This act was carried out by a few members who have long desired to usurp the position. They did so without adhering to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council constitution Article 5, which outlines the procedures for electing a Mufti.”

Bowa further emphasized that accusations against Mubajje should not be solely attributed to him, as the entire Supreme Muslim Council is responsible. According to Bowa, everything the Mufti did was for the benefit of the Muslim community.

On Tuesday, December 12 of this week, Muslim lawyers, represented by the Uganda Muslim Lawyers Association (UMLAS), took the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, to the High Court over the alleged fraudulent sale of Muslim property. Mubaje and businessman Justus Kyabahwa were sued, with UMLAS arguing that the sale of two square miles of land in Sembabule district was corruptly contracted from the outset, jeopardizing other Muslim properties, including the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council headquarters in Old Kampala.

Despite these legal challenges, Sheikh Bowa, on behalf of the Busoga region, declared their support for Mubajje. The Busoga regional leaders announced their decision to remain under the leadership of Sheikh Mubajje until the general election of a Mufti is conducted through proper protocols.

During the same gathering, Sheikh Songolo Shafic Edirisa, representing the Supreme Muslim Council, condemned the disagreement, labeling it a ploy to sow disunity among believers. He called for unity and transparency, emphasizing that these values are essential to addressing challenges within the Muslim community.