The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has re-elected Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje as the Mufti of Uganda, following the expiration of his previous tenure upon reaching the constitutional age limit of 70.
Mubaje, who has led the UMSC for 24 years, was expected to retire upon turning 70, as required by the 1986 UMSC Constitution.
However, legal advisors determined that there were no constitutional barriers to his re-election under the new 2022 UMSC Constitution.
UMSC Chairperson Prof. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira explained that after consultations with UMSC legal advisor Dr. Makmot Adam Kibwanga, the Majlis Al-Ulama (College of Sheikhs) found no constitutional contradiction in Mubaje seeking another term.
“In their report to the Joint Session, Majlis Al-Ulama, with the guidance of Dr. Makmot Adam Kibwanga, confirmed that there was no legal obstacle to considering Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje,” Kisambira stated.
Following these findings, the Majlis Al-Ulama convened on February 20, 2025, and unanimously approved Mubaje’s re-election. The decision was ratified by the Joint Session of the UMSC.
The official announcement was made on March 13, 2025, by Dr. Sheikh Ziyadi Swaleh Lubanga, the Director of Sharia, during a media briefing at UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala.
Alongside Mubaje’s re-election, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa was elected as First Deputy Mufti of Uganda.
Sheikh Mubaje, who turned 70 on March 12, 2025, was initially elected under the 1987 UMSC Constitution, which mandated retirement at that age.
However, the 2022 constitutional amendments introduced a transitional clause (Article 29[12]) that does not automatically extend tenures but allows the Majlis Al-Ulama to deliberate on leadership continuity.
Under Article 5(2) of the amended constitution, the Majlis Al-Ulama holds the exclusive authority to select a Mufti through consensus and secret deliberations.
Prof. Kisambira clarified that Mubaje’s re-election was not an extension of his previous tenure but a fresh term under the 2022 Constitution, governed by Article 5(9).
He also noted that neither Mubaje nor his deputy will be eligible for re-election after completing their new terms.
A legal challenge was filed to block Mubaje’s swearing-in, identified as HCMC No. 0065 of 2025 (Nsimbe Swaibu & 3 Others vs. Uganda Muslim Supreme Council & 44 Others).
Two applications were submitted in the High Court: HCMA 181 of 2025 – sought a temporary injunction to halt the swearing-in and HCMA 182 of 2025 requested an interim order pending a decision on HCMA 181.
The court dismissed both applications on March 12, 2025, allowing UMSC to proceed with its transition.
The main case will be heard on March 24, 2025, with respondents required to submit defense arguments by March 19, 2025.
“There is no injunction or court order stopping UMSC’s operations,” Prof. Kisambira said.
In his acceptance speech, Mufti Mubaje expressed gratitude to the Majlis Al-Ulama for entrusting him with another term.
“We pledge to execute our duties as expected and ensure a smooth leadership transition,” he said, adding that UMSC remains committed to self-reliance and independence from foreign influence.
Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the new First Deputy Mufti, vowed to work toward strengthening UMSC structures over the next five years.
Since the formation of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, the following leaders have served as Mufti of Uganda:Sheikh Maulana Matovu (1972-1974 ),Sheikh Yusuf Matovu (1994-1978) and Sheikh Kasiim Mulumba (1979-1983).
Others were Sheikh Abdul Obeid Kamulegeya (1983-1985) ,Sheikh Kasiim Mulumba (1985-1986),Sheikh Hussein Kakooza (198-1991),Sheikh Saad Luwemba (1991-1997),Sheikh Muhammad Ssemakula (1997-2000) and Sheikh Shaban Mubajje (2000 to date )
