2026 elections: UMSC bans politicking in Mosques

By Ahmed Idriss

As the 2026 general elections close in, the Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubaje, has issued a stern directive banning all forms of political campaigning in mosques and other Islamic religious functions such as burial ceremonies.

Speaking on Saturday, May 10, during memorial prayers for the late Haj Edris Wetaka at Tawfiq Mosque in Kisenyi Cell, Buyonjo Road, Mbale City Northern Division, Sheikh Mubaje warned that under the new Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) constitution, Muslim leaders are barred from engaging in partisan politics.

“The UMSC Constitution requires our leaders to remain nonpartisan; direct involvement in campaigns will breed conflict and divide the Muslim faithful. We will soon issue official circulars instructing all UMSC structures to stay away from political activities,” he said.

He further cautioned Kadhis, Sheikhs, and UMSC committee chairpersons not to serve as campaign agents for political parties or aspirants, emphasising that any Muslim cleric intending to run for public office must resign from their religious duties before the start of the campaign season.

His remarks came in response to concerns raised by Dr. Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi, the chairperson of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) who is aspiring for the Mbale City Woman MP seat. Dr. Kanaabi accused certain Sheikhs of using Friday sermons and Islamic events to campaign against her, allegedly on behalf of rival political candidates.

Mufti Mubaje used the platform not only to address the misuse of Islamic spaces for politics but also to pay tribute to the late Haj Edris Wetaka, whom he described as “a devoted Muslim who tirelessly promoted Islamic development in the Bugisu sub-region.” He commended Haj Wetaka for donating land for the mosque and for his unwavering support to national Muslim leadership during their visits to the area.

“He was like a father to me and a close colleague of my late father, Haj Ramathan Mubaje. I call upon his children to carry on his legacy, and I urge all Muslims to emulate his commitment to Islam,” the Mufti said.

He also advised the family of the late Haj Wetaka to collaborate with the Bugisu Muslim leadership to ensure proper documentation and registration of the mosque in accordance with UMSC policies.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Hajji Ahmed Wetaka, a journalist with Uganda Radio Network, pledged to continue advancing his father’s Islamic initiatives.