Mufti Gives Butaleja Muslim District Leadership 7 Days Ultimatum to Clean House

By Kenneth Wamatoyi

BUTALEJA

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

The directive was issued to Mr. Mugoya Hamya Musa, the Chairperson of Butaleja Muslim District, to convene a council meeting within seven working days to establish the key organs required to manage Islamic activities, as outlined in the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) constitution.

During the council meeting, members are expected to elect five individuals to the Council of Sheikhs, ensuring each candidate has at least a Thanawi qualification—equivalent to 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, from which the Mufti will appoint the substantive District Kadhi.

The decision was announced during Mufti Mubaje’s official visit to Butaleja, accompanied by Hon. Hajji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, and other UMSC officials. The visit included extensive discussions with the Butaleja Muslim District council at the Town Hall, Butaleja local government headquarters, on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

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

The meeting began with a detailed report from Mr. Mugoya, highlighting issues within the district, including allegations of incompetence against Sheikh Swaib Mukama. The report pointed out Sheikh Swaib’s resistance to convening mandated meetings since his appointment following the UMSC national elections in 2022, as well as concerns over the mismanagement of public funds and strained working relationships with colleagues.

Sheikh Swaib, in his brief remarks, welcomed the Mufti and other officials, while Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wandenga, the Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti, provided a summary of the Muslim state of affairs in the area.

Addressing the assembly, Hon. Muluubya shared insights on administrative matters and explained that the Mufti’s office had received numerous complaints about the district’s leadership over the past year. After thorough investigations, it was decided to convene this meeting to address the issues at hand. During the session, Hon. Were Abubaker Wandanghor, the UMSC Electoral Commission Chairperson, read out the petitions against the embattled District Kadhi.

Following a two-hour deliberation that included input from petitioners and responses from Sheikh Swaib, it became evident that there were serious administrative gaps. It was also revealed that Sheikh Swaib was serving in a caretaker capacity and did not meet the required qualifications to hold the position permanently. Other organizational shortcomings were identified, which needed rectification before suitable candidates could be nominated for the position of District Kadhi.

To support the reorganization efforts, Mufti Mubaje, in consultation with Hon. Muluubya, announced that the UMSC headquarters will provide the necessary funds for the district to carry out the nomination process. He directed the district leadership to make necessary preparations 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 assured them that the issues would be resolved promptly.