The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, has embarked on a drive to promote unity among the Muslim community, which has been divided for a long time.
To push this campaign, the Mufti has tasked Hamis Kigundu, a prominent Kampala businessman, to engage all the factions with the intent of reuniting them.
Recently, the MUFTI met Kiggunda, where they extensively discussed how, since 1972, efforts to unite Muslims have faced significant challenges, resulting in persistent divisions.
Mubajje recounted the tumultuous history of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), starting with the ousting of the first Chief Kadhi, Sheikh Maulana Abdul Razak Matovu (1972 to 1974), who was replaced with Sheikh Yusuf Sulaiman Matovu.
The political turmoil under President Idi Amin also led to further instability, as Matovu was dismissed between 1974 and 1978, leaving the UMSC without a leader, Mubajje narrated.
He shared how from 1979 to 1983, Prince Badiru Kakungulu appointed Sheikh Kasimu Mulumba as a personal choice, which led to internal power struggles, including a contested leadership between Mulumba and Sheikh Obed Kamulegaya from 1983 to 1985.
“After Mulumba’s second term began in 1985, tensions escalated into a conflict for control. In 1986, Sheikh Husein Kakooza ascended to leadership after the designation of Sheikh Kasimu Mulumba, serving until 1991, “Mubajje said.
Following Kakooza, Saad Luwemba took over from 1991 until 1997, during which the government of President Museveni encouraged Muslims to collaborate and hold elections to elect a new mufti, aiming to unify all sectors of the Muslim community under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
In 2000, Sheikh Ahmed Mukasa was elected; however, Luwemba continued to wield influence until his death, leading to the appointment of Muhammad Ssemakula, who ruled from 1997.
“This period prompted the Kibuli faction to establish its administration, naming Mukasa as the Mufti of Kibuli from 1997 to 2000. Mukasa emerged as a prominent figure among the sheikhs, successfully persuading Prince Kasim Nakibinge Kakungulu and his Kibuli followers to join the UMSC,” he remarked.
In 2000, elections were held, resulting in the election of Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, who was installed in a ceremony attended by the President.
However, following his installation, Prince Kasimu Nakibinge Kakungulu quickly mobilised the Muslim community to return to Kibuli and withdraw from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
This move has led to the establishment of a parallel administration in Kibuli, which continues to elect its leaders, referred to as Supreme Muftis. However, according to Sheikh Mubajje, these leaders, including Sheikh Zubahir Kayongo, Sheikh Kasule Ndirangwa, and the current Sheikh Muhammad Galabuzi, are viewed by many as illegitimate.
Mufti Mubajje consequently took the opportunity to invite Kiggundu to participate in the upcoming UMSC 50+ Anniversary celebrations scheduled for December 12, 2024.
In response, Dr. Giggundu conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for Mufti’s visit and pledged to work closely with Muslim leadership in fostering unity moving forward.
