Mubaje orders Butaleja Muslim district to reform amid leadership crisis

By Ahmed Idriss
Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, on Sunday, instructed the Butaleja Muslim District leadership to tackle internal management problems and reorganize its administrative structure. This directive was given to Hamya Musa Mugoya, Chairperson of Butaleja Muslim District, to convene a council meeting within seven working days.
The meeting aims to establish key organs required to manage Islamic activities, as outlined in the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) constitution. Members will elect five individuals to the Council of Sheikhs, each requiring a Thanawi qualification, equivalent to an advanced certificate in Islamic theological studies from a recognized institution. A District Secretary will also be elected, and three candidates for the position of District Kadhi will be nominated, from which the Mufti will appoint the substantive District Kadhi.

The decision was announced during Mubaje’s visit to Butaleja, accompanied by UMSC officials. The visit included discussions with local government leaders, security personnel, and opinion leaders, addressing concerns over the district’s leadership.
During the meeting, Sheikh Swaib Mukama Kiyemba, the incumbent District Kadhi, faced allegations of incompetence, including resistance to convening mandated meetings and mismanagement of public funds. Were Abubaker Wandanghor, the UMSC Electoral Commission Chairperson, read out petitions against Sheikh Swaib – including lacking the required academic qualifications for the position.
To support the reorganization efforts, Mubaje directed the UMSC headquarters to provide necessary funds for the district to carry out the nomination process.
He instructed the district leadership to complete the exercise by November 6, 2024