Amidst ongoing controversy within the Ugandan Muslim community, Mufti Shabaan Ramadhan Mubajje has declared stricter qualifications for religious leaders, aiming to ensure ethical and qualified leadership.

Speaking at the opening of Islamic exams on Friday, January 5, 2024, Mubajje emphasized the importance of official Islamic education and proper credentials for aspiring leaders, from local positions to the coveted role of Mufti. Mubajje acknowledged the need for heightened standards, stating that “many people are overly self-centered and lack the necessary credentials.” He emphasized that qualifications will be prioritized in selecting leaders, ensuring that those entrusted with religious leadership possess the knowledge, character, and integrity to effectively serve the community.

Furthermore, the Mufti issued a strong warning against interference in Muslim matters, particularly by individuals who misrepresent the faith.

This week on Thursday,the joint session of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) suspended Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo.

The suspension is based on allegations of him violating the council’s constitution and displaying inappropriate behaviour.

The joint session, one of the council’s top organs brings together the National Executive Committee and the College of Sheikh (Majlis Ulama). It plays a crucial role in the leadership of UMSC and in addressing internal matters within the organization.

Recently, a section of Muslim lawyers  dragged, Sheikh Ramadhan Mubajje over the alleged fraudulent sale of Muslim property.

He was sued alongside businessman Justus Kyabahwa. The Uganda Muslim Lawyers Association (UMLAS) argues that the sale of the two square miles of land in Sembabule district to Kyabahwa; a transaction that went wrong and threatened the auctioning of other Muslim properties including the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters at Old Kampala was contracted corruptly from the very start.