Luwero Kadhi initiates arbitration in Mosque leadership dispute
By Ahmed Idriss
The District Kadhi of Luwero, Sheikh Mulindwa Ramadhan Swaib, on Tuesday commenced holding arbitration sessions between the leadership of Masjid Noor and Masjid Khamis Shafie, two mosques embroiled in a three-year-long leadership dispute.
Earlier in the day, the case appeared before the courts, where the plaintiffs—who had sued the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), the District Kadhi, and 12 others—were informed of the possibility of resolving the matter through UMSC’s internal arbitration process.
Sheikh Mulindwa confirmed that the defendants had formally requested arbitration under his office. The presiding judge welcomed the initiative and adjourned the case to 16th December 2026 to allow the arbitration process to continue.
Following the court adjournment, both mosque leadership teams convened at the Office of the District Kadhi for the first arbitration session. Counsel for the defendants raised concerns over alleged trespassing by the District Kadhi, the legality of the 2022 UMSC elections in the mosques, and questions regarding the Kadhi’s authority over mosque leadership.
Responding to these concerns, Sheikh Mulindwa thanked both sides for embracing arbitration and posed a key question: “Are you all Muslim Sunni?” The entire house unanimously affirmed. He reminded the parties, “By virtue of being Muslim Sunni, you fall under the jurisdiction and guidance of UMSC as stipulated in Article 1 of the Constitution.”
The Kadhi then asked whether the two mosques in question are Jumah mosques, receiving confirmation from all members. He cited Article 24 (1 & 2) of the UMSC Constitution, stating: “Every Jumah mosque shall be registered with UMSC and must pay allegiance to it. You all know the truth; let us not waste time in court.”
Sheikh Mulindwa also clarified his mandate under Article 19 clause 6, emphasizing his role as the executive head of the Muslim District: “It is my duty to intervene and harmonize Muslim affairs whenever disputes arise.”
To ensure fairness and brotherhood, the Kadhi adjourned the session to 3rd December 2026 and instructed that lawyers will not participate in the next meeting, noting that “arbitration is rooted in humanity, goodwill, and brotherhood—values that risk being overshadowed by legal technicalities and adversarial positions.”
He added that each mosque will be represented by six members only, to allow a peaceful, focused, and constructive discussion.
Present at the arbitration were Deputy District Kadhi Sheikh Twaha Lubega Khamis, Assistant District Kadhi Sheikh Ibrahim Khamis, District Treasurer Ghadafi Bachou, counsel to the defendants Ssebayizi Habib, as well as the imaams, chairmen, plaintiffs, and defendants of the two mosques.
