Juma-Zukuuli power struggle sends former leaders, RCC, to prison

By Ahmed Idriss

Justice Musa Ssekaana has handed a six-month jail term to the deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Kawempe division, Hajji Noor Njuki Mbabaali, over the leadership dispute within the Juma-Zukuuli Muslim group. Mbabali was convicted of contempt of court following an application by Hassan Kayondo, the group’s new secretary-general.

Mbabali’s source of trouble was his refusal to help the new group leaders take charge at the Juma-Zukuuli headquarters at Kyaddondo hill in Kawempe division, following a contested extraordinary meeting and election of new office bearers.

In his application, Ssenyondo accused Mbabali of refusing to clear newly elected Juma Zukuuli leaders to assume office, despite a court order. In September 2024, the court oversaw the election of new leadership, ending Sheikh Abdul-Noor Lunanoba’s two-decade run as the group’s president-general.

This followed a suit filed by Ismail Kikabi against the group’s former management committee over mismanagement and failure to hold meetings.

In his ruling, Justice Ssekaana condemned Mbabali’s conduct, stating that the court’s decision was clear and required no interpretation.

“This type of order takes immediate effect and requires no clearance. This was not a land dispute where the Deputy RCC would oversee eviction or demolition. The respondent has illegally given himself authority he does not have. It is not his mandate to interpret court orders,” Ssekaana ruled.

He declared Mbabali’s actions unlawful and said he was unfit to serve as a public officer.

“The impunity with which he handled this matter and his refusal to respond to court proceedings show his actions were driven by corruption. His disregard for the court order suggests he was influenced by bribery,” he said.

Ssekaana noted that Mbabali had used his position to create confusion instead of enforcing the law.

“Despite clear guidance from the court, the respondent continued to sow confusion and personally involved himself in matters beyond his authority,” Ssekaana said.

He emphasized that defying court orders was not an innocent act but a deliberate attempt to exploit the justice system for personal gain.

“A party who walks into court with an order must be assured that it will be enforced. The public has a stake in the orderly administration of justice, and courts must protect that interest,” Ssekaana added.

The judge ordered Mbabali’s immediate arrest and committal to civil prison for six months. Two weeks ago, Ssekaana sentenced three former Juma-Zukuuli leaders, Lukman Ggaliwango Malende, Khalifan Lutaya, and Hassan Kinene, to one year in jail for contempt of the same order.

Justice Ssekaana also strongly warned Sheikh Lunanoba, his agents, and allies against actions causing disobedience to lawful court orders.