Family petitions UMSC over alleged shrine, witchcraft practices in Mityana

By Ahmed Idriss

A family in Bulera Sub- County, Mityana District, has petitioned the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) seeking intervention over allegations that some of its members constructed a shrine and are promoting witchcraft on family land.

The petition was submitted by members of the family of the late Thabit Kirumira and Abdallah Kibirige, who say they are practicing Muslims opposed to all forms of witchcraft. In their December 22, 2025 letter, the family accuses Sulaiman Gingo and Jamir Kasule also members of the same family, of practicing witchcraft and constructing a permanent shrine at Butaleega village, Bulera Sub- County.

The petitioners, including Twaha Kahungi, Kirumira, Makito, Abdurahman Banif Doin, Mansoor Kakande, and Abdul Aziz Wamala Kakande, state that the alleged actions contradict Islamic teachings and risk causing division within the family. They asked for urgent intervention before the matter escalates.

In response, the District Secretary for Da’awah, UMSC Mityana, Al-Hajji Sheikh Maulana Saed Omar Ssekanjakko Mugayangabo, acknowledged receipt of the complaint and said the allegations raise serious concerns under Islamic doctrine.

In a December 23, 2025 letter, the district Da’awah office stated that Islam does not permit or promote witchcraft and cited several Qur’anic verses in support of this position. The letter further summoned Gingo and Kasule to an engagement meeting for Saturday, December 27, 2025, to address the allegations.

According to the communication, if investigations confirm that a permanent shrine was constructed to promote witchcraft, the accused family members will be required to issue a public apology, provide a written commitment renouncing witchcraft, and demolish the shrine.

The UMSC office also issued a general warning to Muslims against misleading the public through witchcraft, noting that appropriate action would be taken against anyone found engaging in such practices.

Copies of both the petition and the response were shared with local authorities, including the Resident District Commissioner, District Police Commander, area L.C.1 chairpersons, and media houses.

Gingo and Kasule respond to summons