Mufti calls for reorganization of Butaleja Muslim District

Butaleja: His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has directed the leadership of Butaleja Muslim District to urgently address internal management issues and reorganize its administrative structure.

This directive was given to Mr. Mugoya Hamya Musa, Chairperson of Butaleja Muslim District, instructing him to convene a council meeting within seven working days to establish key organs for managing Islamic activities, in line with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) constitution.

During the upcoming council meeting, members are expected to elect five individuals to the Council of Sheikhs, with each candidate required to have at least a Thanawi qualification an advanced certificate in Islamic theological studies from a recognized institution.

Additionally, a District Secretary will be elected, and three candidates for the position of District Kadhi will be nominated for the Mufti’s appointment.

This decision was announced during Mufti Mubaje’s official visit to Butaleja, accompanied by Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, UMSC Secretary General, Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, and other UMSC officials.

The visit featured extensive discussions with the Butaleja Muslim District council at the Town Hall on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

Local government leaders, security personnel, opinion leaders, and elders participated in the meeting, along with Sheikh Swaib Mukama Kiyemba, the incumbent District Kadhi, county sheikhs, representatives from the UMSC General Assembly, and Sheikh Abubakar Omar Obilan, Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of North Eastern Uganda. A large crowd of Muslim faithful gathered outside, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the deliberations.

The meeting commenced with a report from Mr. Mugoya, addressing internal issues, including allegations of incompetence against Sheikh Swaib Mukama.

The report noted Sheikh Swaib’s failure to convene mandated meetings since his appointment after the UMSC national elections in 2022, as well as concerns regarding the mismanagement of public funds and strained relationships with colleagues.

Sheikh Swaib welcomed the Mufti and other officials, while Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wandenga, the Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti, provided an overview of the local Muslim community’s status.

In his address, Hon. Muluubya discussed administrative matters, noting that the Mufti’s office had received numerous complaints about the district leadership over the past year.

Following thorough investigations, it was determined that a meeting was necessary to address these issues. Hon. Were Abubaker Wandanghor, Chairperson of the UMSC Electoral Commission, read out petitions against the embattled District Kadhi.

After two hours of deliberation, which included input from petitioners and responses from Sheikh Swaib, it became clear that significant administrative gaps existed.

It was revealed that Sheikh Swaib was serving in a caretaker capacity and did not meet the qualifications required for a permanent appointment. Other organizational shortcomings were identified that needed to be addressed before suitable candidates could be nominated for the District Kadhi position.

To support these reorganization efforts, Mufti Mubaje announced, in consultation with Hon. Muluubya, that UMSC headquarters would provide necessary funding for the district to carry out the nomination process. He instructed the district leadership to prepare and complete the exercise by November 6, 2024.

Before departing for Kampala, the Mufti addressed the large crowd of Muslim faithful, urging them to remain calm and assuring them that the issues would be resolved promptly.

Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256394700683.