The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shabban Ramadhan Mubajje, has issued a strong warning on Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, following his recent attendance at the Eid al-Fitr prayers, despite not being a Muslim.
Speaking at a meeting with the District Khadi of the Central Region on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters in Old Kampala, Mufti Mubajje expressed his deep concerns over what he described as a disregard for Islamic practices.
Mufti Mubajje emphasized that it was inappropriate and disrespectful for Bobi Wine, as a non-Muslim, to participate in the prayers, underscoring that such actions could only be acceptable if the individual had formally converted to Islam.
He reminded the District Khadi and the mosque officials present that any such incidents should never happen again, urging them to be vigilant in ensuring that Islamic guidelines are adhered to in all UMSC-affiliated mosques.
Quoting from the Holy Qur’an, Surah At-Tawbah 9:54, “It is not permissible for a non-Muslim to pray either in the ranks or on his own. He must first embrace Islam, purify himself through ghusl, and then fulfill the necessary conditions for prayer.” Mufti Mubajje stated:
The Mufti strongly criticized the Sheikh who allowed Bobi Wine to participate, calling for an immediate cessation of any political involvement in the sacred practice of prayer.
He warned that such actions could undermine the sanctity of the prayers, as an individual who has not undergone purification through ghusl could invalidate the collective worship of the community.
Mufti Mubajje acknowledged that Bobi Wine’s interactions with Muslims after the prayers might be acceptable, he firmly asserted that it was unlawful in Islam for a non-Muslim to take part in the prayer itself.
He cautioned the Muslim community to reject Bobi Wine’s political tactics, noting that such actions were a form of disrespect to the religion and an affront to its sanctity.
Additionally the Mufti called on all Muslims to uphold the integrity of their faith and to safeguard the spiritual sanctity of Islamic practices, warning that political agendas should never interfere with acts of worship.
