The National Chairman of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira, has urged Muslims to embrace reconciliation and unity, emphasizing that the progress of Islam in Uganda hinges on these principles.
Speaking at an Iftar dinner held at his home in Jinja City over the weekend, Dr. Lubega addressed over 300 Muslim leaders from across the Busoga Sub-region.
He reiterated the importance of trusting UMSC structures, which he said are designed for the growth and development of the Islamic faith in the country.
His remarks came amid ongoing protests in Kampala, where a section of Muslims has contested the installation of Grand Mufti Shaban Mubaje, arguing that his term had ended and that he was ineligible for re-election after turning 70.
However, Dr. Lubega clarified that under the 1972 Muslim Constitution amended on July 13, 2022 any candidate between the ages of 45 and 75 is eligible to contest for the position. He affirmed that Mufti Mubaje was lawfully installed and would serve a ten-year term, alongside his deputy, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa.
“The constitution grants the liberty for Mufti Mubaje to contest and be elected as long as he falls within the age bracket of 45-75 years. His installation followed due process, free from any irregularities,” Dr. Lubega stated.
During the gathering, Muslim leaders, including district Khadis, women leaders, youth representatives, Imams, and Amirahs, expressed their gratitude to the UMSC leadership for initiating development programs such as cocoa farming.
They acknowledged the positive impact of these projects on their communities and appealed for similar empowerment initiatives to benefit Muslims across all regions.
Under Dr. Lubega’s leadership, the UMSC has introduced a cocoa-growing program that has significantly improved livelihoods. The leaders called for the expansion of such economic initiatives to further uplift the Muslim community.
