Luwero district boss impeached over anti-Mubaje protests
By Abdul – Wahid Kakande and Ahmed Idriss
Ali Ndawula Ssekyanzi lost his seat as the Luwero Muslim District Chairperson, Thursday, after the District Joint Session sacked him in disgrace following a petition filed by 16 members of the District Joint Committee.
The petition accused Ndawula of gross indiscipline, spreading falsehoods, and inciting unrest within the Muslim community. He was accused of making misleading statements that fueled protests against the Majlis Al Ulama—the College of Eminent Sheikhs—after they recently re-elected Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje as Mufti of Uganda.
Ndawula was also accused of publicly insulting the Mufti to tarnish his reputation, allegedly for personal financial gain promised by individuals within the Muslim community.
The petition was presented to Sheikh Ramadhan Twaha Mulindwa, the District Qadhi, who then summoned Ndawula to appear before the District Joint Committee within seven days, as required by the UMSC Constitution. However, Ndawula, through his lawyers, responded that he was not ready to appear before the committee on the scheduled date of April 3, 2025, at the district headquarters.
Despite his absence, the session proceeded under the leadership of Sheikh Mulindwa. After deliberations, all 26 members in attendance unanimously voted to dismiss Ndawula. This makes him the first district chairperson to be removed under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC)’s amended constitution, enacted in 2022.
In a press statement, Sheikh Mulindwa announced that Muhammad Matovu had been appointed as acting District Chairperson until the official process to fill the position is completed.
Ndawula challenges impeachment
Through his lawyers of Sewankambo and Co. Advocates, Ali Ndawula challenged his suspension and impeachment, arguing the District Qadhi’s office lacked locus to handle the matter.
“Article 11 under which the purported impeachment is brought clearly spells our that these are proceedings in respect of an impeachment against the Mufti, the 1st and 2nd Deputy Mufti, Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General. Since the District Chairperson is not one of the members mentioned in the said article, no petition for impeachment can arise therefrom,” the letter reads in part,
“On that ground alone, you should advise the alleged petitioners to withdraw the same to avoid legal proceedings against them and yourself personally,” the letter added.
However, Sheikh Mulindwa shot back, insisting the impeachment would still go on.
“You will note that the petition which was annexed to the invitation letter had several grounds and breaches, which are still accusations for now. It is not for you or my office to determine the merits of the petition at a preliminary stage as you assert,” Sheikh Mulindwa’s letter reads in part, adding “The impeachment process is a constitutional matter handled by the District Joint Committee, with the final decision resing with the appointing authority, which approves or disapproves.”
Genesis of Ndawula’s troubles
Two weeks ago, Ndawula accompanied by a group of Muslims petitioned Parliament seeking among others to isolate Mubaje.
In the petition, Ndawula and his group claims that Mubaje’s stay in office after celebrating his 70th birthday violates the UMSC constitution whose amendment was funded by the government through appropriation of about Ugx 2b by the Parliament.
Citing article 5(9) and 29(12) of the UMSC constitution, the group argues that Sheikh Mubaje does not qualify for another term having served for over 24 years before the constitution was amended in 2022.
The new constitution provides that a Mufti shall serve for one term of 10 years and one qualifies to be elected mufti if he is a Sunni Muslim aged between 40 years and not exceeding 75 years with a master’s degree in sharia law or its equivalent.
Ndawula argues that the college of eminent sheikhs acted illegally when it gave Mubaje and his deputy Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa another term of five years after clocking 70 years saying the same is not provided for under the UMSC constitution.
This comes after another group of Muslims dragged Mubaje, Waiswa and 42 members of the UMSC management, college of eminent sheikhs and joint session to court seeking a declaration that Mubaje is not eligible for re-election for another term after turning 70 years.
In a judicial review application, Swaibu Nsimbe, Twayibu Byansi, Musa Kalokora and Musa Kasakya argue that having served for more than 24 years far beyond the 10 years provided for under the new UMSC constitution, Mubaje is estopped from seeking re-election as per articles 5 and 29(12) of the constitution.
