Sheikh Ssemambo barred from serving as Mufti

Summary:

• The court has clarified that Sheikh Abudallah Ssemambo is not the Mufti of Uganda, refuting false reports of his appointment, amid ongoing controversy within the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.

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The court has explicitly stated that Sheikh Abudallah Ssemambo does not hold the position of Mufti in Uganda.

Addressing misinformation circulating in select media outlets, the Judiciary has issued a clarification, asserting that Sheikh Abudallah Ssemambo lacks the authorization to act as the interim Mufti of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).

This clarification responds to false reports that, on Thursday, December 21, the High Court endorsed the decision of the Resident Judge Jinja, resulting in Sheikh Ssemambo’s supposed appointment as the acting Mufti.

In an official statement, the Judiciary emphasized that Lady Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya intervened by issuing a stay order to prevent the execution and implementation of resolutions made during the General Assembly on December 16 and 17, 2023.

These resolutions led to Sheikh Ssemambo’s purported appointment as the acting Mufti. The stay order remains effective until the judge who issued the orders reviews the application, following legal procedures for such reviews.

The statement also indicated that miscellaneous applications No. 309 of 2023, No. 306 of 2023, and No. 307 of 2023 have been referred back to Jinja High Court for further hearing and determination.

The Judiciary urged all concerned parties and individuals to remain calm and act responsibly while awaiting the final decision of the Court in Jinja.

Stressing the importance of patience and respect for the legal process, the Judiciary aims for a fair and just resolution to the ongoing matter.

On a related note, Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, the former first deputy Mufti of Uganda, was appointed as the acting Mufti during a special session of the UMSC General Assembly held at Gangu Primary School in Wakiso district on Sunday afternoon.

This decision followed 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, mandated the assembly to discuss the state of the UMSC and submit a report on the proceedings to the court.

Contrary to Ssemambo’s appointment, UMSC Secretary General Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya asserted that Mubaje remains the legitimate Mufti of Uganda, citing adherence to the council’s rules for suspension or impeachment.

The current controversy surrounding the Mufti’s position has its roots in past events, including the review of the UMSC constitution, the election period, and the December 2022 general assembly. Conflicts arose during the assembly between the Hussein Bassajabala faction, led by Abdul Kyimba, and the Mubaje faction, centering on the chairperson position and previous impeachment issues.