The Secretary General of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), Haji Abbas Ssekyanzi Muluubya, has announced a major legal victory for the organization following the withdrawal of a petition challenging the re-election of Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje as Mufti of Uganda.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala, Haji Muluubya revealed that the petitioners had abandoned their case in court, effectively clearing the way for Mufti Mubajje and other UMSC leaders to continue their duties without legal hindrance.
He Said the petitioners Issa Gule, Namara Zulaika Kamara, Sheikh Twaha Katungulu Luyimbazi, and Umar Ssewante had sought a court injunction to prevent Mufti Mubajje and his deputy, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, from performing their official functions.
The dispute stemmed from Mufti Mubajje’s recent re-election for a five-year term, a process overseen by Majlis Al Ulama, the committee of eminent Sheikhs mandated by the UMSC constitution.
He added that the case, alongside another similar petition filed by a separate group led by Musa Kasakya, was heard before High Court Judge Hon. Justice Emmanuel Baguma at Twed Towers, Kampala, on March 24, 2025. UMSC Leadership Successfully Defends Mufti Mubajje
According to Muluubya, the respondents in the case including, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Harunah Bukenya ,2nd Deputy Mufti, Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, National Chairperson and Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi , UMSC Secretary General.
He added that during the hearing, Counsel Siraje Kakeeto, representing Issa Gule’s team, informed the court that his clients had lost interest in the case (Misc. Cause No. 00-CV-MC 0076-2025) and sought to withdraw it.
In the second case, the legal team representing Musa Kasakya’s group failed to serve most of the respondents with court summons before the hearing, prompting Justice Baguma to order them to complete the required procedures before the next hearing on April 16, 2025.
He explained that the UMSC legal team, led by Counsel Musa Kabega and Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary General for Finance and Administration, successfully defended Mufti Mubajje’s leadership.
Following the court session, the petitioners who had publicly promoted their case on various Kampala radio stations left the courtroom visibly disappointed.
This latest legal victory solidifies Mufti Mubajje’s legitimacy and marks another failed attempt to challenge his authority through the courts.
