Mubaje defends ban on Sheikh Mubiru
By Ahmed Idriss and Issa Kigongo
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has defended the imposed ban on Sheikh Swaleh Mubiru by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), insisting it was not meant to malign him personally but to stop divisive teachings that could confuse the Muslim faithful.
Last week, the UMSC banned Sheikh Swaleh Mubiru from preaching and conducting Islamic learning sessions following findings that his teachings deviate from mainstream Islamic scholarship.
Dr. Ziyad Swalleh Lubanga, Director of Sharia at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and chair of the review committee, delivered the verdict on behalf of the Mufti. The committee had engaged Sheikh Mubiru over several weeks to evaluate his doctrinal positions.
“The committee found that Brother Swaleh Mubiru is interpreting the Holy Qur’an out of context and is not willing to conform to established intellectual orientation,” Dr. Lubanga said. “His approach appears closely aligned to the Quran Yun movement, which relies solely on the Qur’an for deriving legislation and rejects the Sunnah as a source.”
The committee noted that proper Qur’anic interpretation requires mastery of Hadith, principles of Tafsir, Islamic jurisprudence, Aqeedah, and Arabic linguistics. Dr. Lubanga explained, “Brother Mubiru demonstrated limited comprehension of Qur’anic terminology and a weak command of Arabic linguistics, which are essential for authentic exegesis.”
The committee also raised concerns about Mubiru’s insistence on selective Qur’anic greetings, rejection of traditional supplication methods, and claims regarding his educational background. “He has not studied Islamic law to a level that qualifies him to issue fatwas or religious rulings,” Dr. Lubanga said.
Mubaje speaks out
Speaking during a meeting with senior clerics from Makki Masjid in Bweya, Kajjansi, the Mufti said the decision aimed to preserve the foundations of Islam as ordained in the Quran, Hadiths, and the teachings of early Islamic scholars.
The top leadership of Jamiat Tabligh, popularly known as Zikir Kalengi, visited the Mufti on Tuesday, Nov 25th, 2025, reaffirming their loyalty to the UMSC and underscoring the council’s role as the guiding authority for all Sunni Muslims in the country. The visiting team included Sheikh Muzamir Mataya, the Amir, Sheikh Abdul Nasir Makumbi, and Sheikh Shaban Mbogo.
During the UMSC weekly management committee meeting, the clerics emphasized that Makki Masjid remains under the council’s guidance. “Your Eminence, the late Sheikh Omar Abdallah Mazimga, our former Amir—prior to his death—brought us together and made a verbal will, advising us never to forsake the UMSC as the umbrella body of all Ugandan Muslims,” Sheikh Mbogo said, referencing the council’s authority.
The clerics also invited the Mufti to officiate as Chief Guest at their three-day ijitma—a gathering designed to deepen Islamic spirituality—scheduled at Masjid Atiq in Mukono Town Council from Dec 4th to 7th, 2025.
In his remarks, Mubaje emphasized UMSC’s inclusive role: “UMSC belongs to all Muslims that subscribe to the Sunni branch of Islam. So, you also have a share here like the rest of other Muslims.”
