By TV10 Investigative Desk
Sheikh Dr. Ramadan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda, is reportedly seeking reappointment as the supreme head of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), despite exceeding the mandatory 70-year age limit set by the Muslim constitution.
Recently, the High Court in Kampala reinstated Mubajje as the Mufti, quashing the resolutions made by the UMSC general assembly in 2023 that ousted him from office. This development may have paved the way for Mubajje’s potential reappointment bid.
However, it’s worth noting that Mubajje’s tenure has been marred by controversy, including allegations of mismanaging Muslim properties and conflicts over governance. Additionally, there have been reports of a forged court order dated May 7, 2024, which was dismissed by the UMSC Secretary General.
The UMSC constitution establishes a clear age limit for the Mufti position, but it remains to be seen whether Mubajje’s reappointment bid will be successful. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies within the UMSC leadership.
Mufti Mubajje is reportedly gearing up for a re-election bid, despite approaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 on March 12, 2026. According to insider sources, Mubajje has been secretly canvassing support from a select group of delegates to bolster his chances and potentially amend the constitutional clause that bars him from re-election.
This move comes on the heels of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), headed by Mubajje, receiving 13 billion shillings as partial compensation for UMSC land and properties, including the Golf Course parcel of land and 3 square miles in Sembabule, valued at 47 billion shillings. Sources claim that Mubajje has been using a significant portion of these funds to secure the allegiance of key delegates.
It’s worth noting that Mubajje’s tenure has been marked by controversy, and some Muslim leaders and followers have been calling for his resignation. The High Court in Kampala previously quashed resolutions against Mubajje, paving the way for his potential re-election bid
The High Court in Kampala has made a significant ruling, quashing the resolutions that ousted Mufti Sheikh Shaban Mubajje from office in 2023. This decision, made by Justice Dr. Douglas Singiza on January 6, 2026, effectively renders the election of Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo as interim Mufti of Uganda null and void.
In his judgment, Justice Singiza emphasized the importance of exploring arbitration options, citing Article 28 of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) constitution. He noted that the parties should have utilized the Muslim Mediation & Arbitration Council (MAC) to resolve their disputes, rather than proceeding directly to court.
The MAC, chaired by Sheikh Obeid Kamulegeya, has jurisdiction to hear disputes among Muslims and between Muslims and non-Muslims, including issues related to the management of UMSC affairs and properties. Justice Singiza’s ruling highlights the need for adherence to internal dispute resolution mechanisms, ensuring institutional integrity and promoting cohesion within the Muslim community.
Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, the reinstated Mufti, has a long history of leadership within the UMSC, having been unanimously elected Grand Mufti in 2000. He has also played a key role in interfaith initiatives, serving as Co-Moderator of the Religions for Peace-African Council of Religious Leaders.
Justice Singiza’s ruling has significant implications for the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). By setting aside the judgment and orders in company cause no. 002 of 2023, Singiza has essentially reset the clock, allowing the parties involved to explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, specifically the Muslim Mediation & Arbitration Council (MAC).
The MAC, chaired by Sheikh Obeid Kamulegeya, has jurisdiction to hear disputes among Muslims and between Muslims and non-Muslims, including issues related to the running of UMSC affairs.
This development may potentially impact Mufti Mubajje’s plans to seek re-election, despite not meeting the required qualification of holding a master’s degree in Sharia. Mubajje holds a master’s degree in Culture, which may not align with the UMSC’s constitutional requirements.
It’s worth noting that Mubajje has been a prominent figure in Ugandan Muslim leadership, serving as the chairperson of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda and advocating for the unconditional release of political prisoners. However, his determination to seek re-election has raised concerns among some Muslim leaders and followers, who have called for him to step down.
