Mufti Mubaje’s next move: Re-election bid or smooth transition?

By Our Reporter
As 2025 approaches, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) is gearing up for a significant transition. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the current Mufti of Uganda, will turn 70 in March 2025, sparking questions about his future leadership.
The recently enacted UMSC constitution stipulates that the Mufti must be a Sunni Muslim between 40 and 75 years old, with a master’s degree in Sharia law and fluency in Arabic, Swahili, and English. Mubaje, who has led the UMSC since 2000, meets these criteria.
Mubaje’scontractexpiresinMarch2025.According to the new constitution, officials with existing contracts may renew their terms or compete for re-election.

If Mubaje seeks re-election, he will face competition from other qualified candidates. Interviewed for this story, Ashraf Zziwa Muvawala, the UMSC spokesperson cast doubt on Mufti Mubaje’s intentions to seek re-election. “Well I am not aware that he is seeking another term,” Zziwa said. However, should Mubaje decide to run again, Zziwa emphasized that there are no legal obstacles to prevent him from doing so. “If he so wishes, he is eligible to stand.”
Mubaje, who hails from Bungokho in Mbale district, ascended to power aged 45 in December 2000, uniting the Ugandan Muslim community for the first eight years of his 25-year tenure. Disagreements emerged in 2008 when the Mufti and a few of his allies were accused of the illegal sale of Muslim properties – setting in motion a new chapter characterized by conflicts, legal battles, and sometimes, physical confrontations.

Tensions reached a fever pitch in 2009 with the announcement of a breakaway faction based at Kibuli, currently headed by Supreme Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi.
Fresh divisions emerged last year when a faction of the General Assembly convened and named Sheikh Abdallah Galabuzi the acting Mufti following a contentious impeachment process that is currently a matter before the High Court.
Besides the accusations of mismanagement of Muslim properties, Mubaje has achieved notable milestones, including securing the construction of the Gadaffi National Mosque, establishing a Muslim radio and television station, founding a university, and sourcing donors for mosques and schools’ construction.