Education key to ending Muslim wrangling, Mubaje says

By Ahmed Idriss

Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has emphasized that education is a vital tool to reduce wrangling, infighting, and other challenges that have long hindered the development of the Muslim community.

He made the remarks during a thanksgiving ceremony organized by the family of Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda Busungu, the Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti, who recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in Sharia from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU). The event was held at Basmat Arena, Kawempe Mbogo, on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

“Many of the challenges that long bogged down UMSC’s structure and operations—including infighting and wrangling—were mainly fueled by widespread ignorance and compounded by some semi-literate individuals driven by selfish agendas,” Mubaje observed.

He stressed that encouraging Muslims to pursue formal education is the surest way to accelerate development and restore order within the community.

The Mufti cited his own example, noting that after studying in Saudi Arabia forty years ago, he established a learning institute, taught many Muslims free of charge, and served as a mosque imam—all while pursuing higher education.

“Today, the council is steadily moving in the right direction with its strategic plan. Having well-trained human resources in appropriate positions is why you hardly hear unnecessary noise,” he said. He also highlighted that exercising strategic silence amidst provocations has helped restore sanity to the community.

Mubaje lauded Sheikh Sserwadda, the main celebrant, for returning to university despite his advanced age, saying: “I applaud all UMSC staff, including Sheikh Sserwadda, who embraced the idea of continuing education. This is the only way to quicken development within the Muslim community.”

Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the Second Deputy Mufti, and Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, UMSC Deputy General in charge of Finance and Administration, both graduates, expressed gratitude to the Mufti for his mentorship.