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Muslims Petition Speaker Over Re-election of Mufti Mubaje
The petitioners are demanding that Mubaje retire immediately, as his tenure ended on 12th March 2025, in accordance with the amended constitution.
A group of concerned Muslims, led by Sheikh Ali Ndawula from Luweero District, has formally petitioned Speaker of Parliament Anita Among over the re-election of Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje as Mufti of Uganda, calling it a violation of the 1972 Muslim Constitution.
The petitioners are demanding that Mubaje retire immediately, as his tenure ended on 12th March 2025, in accordance with the amended constitution.
“Sheikh Mubaje should retire since his tenure ended on March 12, 2025, in compliance with the amended constitution. The government may consider alternative deployment to serve in different capacities,” the petition states.
In an effort to restore calm and cooperation within the Muslim community, the petitioners have proposed that Mubaje’s deputy step into the mufti’s office until the next election.
“As provided in the UMSC constitution, the first deputy mufti should take over leadership for 60 days, during which a proper election for a new Mufti should be organized in accordance with the constitution,” the petition adds.
Sheikh Mubajje, who was elected as Mufti of Uganda on 11th December 2000, has seen both successes and challenges throughout his leadership.
However, his tenure officially ended on 12th March 2025, when he turned 70, in line with the constitutional age limit.
To the dismay of many, a joint session of the Majilis Ulaama and the Executive Committee selected Sheikh Mubaje as the new Mufti on 13th March 2025, in clear defiance of the amended constitution.
The petition highlights a significant concern: the Ugandan government allocated substantial funds, exceeding two billion shillings, for the UMSC constitutional review process and the election of new office-bearers.
Yet, the unlawful selection of Mubaje is seen as a serious breach of the amended constitution, which requires the intervention of Parliament to uphold the law.
The petition further warns that Mubaje’s continued leadership could negatively
impact the Ugandan government.
“We are aware that GCC countries, the Arab League, and other Muslim-majority nations like Egypt and Turkey, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have threatened to suspend support for vulnerable communities in Uganda, which could overburden the government,” the petitioners argue.
According to Article 5 (7) of the original 1972 UMSC constitution, the Mufti and Deputy Mufti are to serve until they reach 70 years of age.
Sheikh Mubaje, having turned 70 on 12th March 2025, should have stepped down as per the constitution. Furthermore, under Article 5 (9) of the amended UMSC constitution, a mufti is only allowed one 10-year tenure, and is ineligible for re-election once that term expires.
The petitioners are calling for the immediate retirement of Sheikh Mubajje and the proper election of a new mufti in line with the UMSC constitution.
Source:Nilepost