Summary:

• Amid tight security, Acting Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo led prayers in Mbarara, expressing gratitude for President Museveni’s intervention in halting the sale of Muslim property, while a leadership controversy within the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council persists.

Amidst heightened security, Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, the Acting Mufti of Uganda, led prayers in Mbarara at Abubakar Mosque. Expressing gratitude to President Museveni for halting the sale of Muslim Supreme Council property, Ssemambo underscored the importance of Muslim unity, development, and tolerance during the prayers.

Before the prayer session, Sheikh Ssemambo received a warm welcome from a convoy of vehicles and motorcycles from Biharwe town, located 15 kilometers away from Mbarara city center. Condemning the sale of Muslim property, he described it as deeply unfortunate for the Muslim community, acknowledging the president’s intervention and thanking the Muslim community for their support.

Sheikh Ssemambo clarified that their presence in Mbarara was in response to an invitation from the Muslim community to receive updates on recent changes in Muslim leadership. Some leaders in the area criticized educated Muslims for prioritizing personal interests over providing guidance, contributing to divisions within the Muslim community.

Notably, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the embattled Mufti of Uganda, warned Muslims to distance themselves from the acting Mufti, Sheikh Ssemambo. Mubaje urged Muslims not to be swayed by propaganda, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Islamic teachings and righteousness.

Sheikh Ssemambo assumed the role of acting Mufti during a special session of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council general assembly, held at Gangu Muslim Primary School in Wakiso district. This appointment followed a court order authorizing a special session to discuss the state of the UMSC and submit a report to the court.

The controversy surrounding the Mufti’s position originated from events such as the review of the UMSC constitution, the election period, and the December 2022 general assembly. Conflicts emerged between the factions led by Hussein Bassajjabala, represented by Abdul Kyimba, and the Mubaje faction during the assembly.

Despite Sheikh Ssemambo’s appointment, the UMSC reassured the Muslim community that Mubaje remains the Mufti of Uganda, irrespective of recent developments.