The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has officially re-elected Sheikh Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje as the Mufti of Uganda following the expiration of his previous tenure upon reaching the constitutional age limit of 70.
The decision, made by the Majlis Al-Ulama (College of Sheikhs) and unanimously approved by the Joint Session of the UMSC, grants Mubaje a fresh term under the 2022 UMSC constitution.
Dr. Mubaje, who turned 70 on March 12, 2025, was originally elected under the 1987 UMSC constitution, which mandated a Mufti to serve until reaching that age. However, the current 2022 constitution introduced transitional provisions (Article 29(12)), allowing those in office at the time of its enactment to complete their tenure without automatic extension.
Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, the National Chairperson of UMSC, explained the legal process behind Mubaje’s re-election:
“The Secretary General notified the National Chairman of the approaching end of tenure for the Mufti of Uganda on 6th January 2025. Consequently, the National Chairman, upon resolution of the National Executive Committee, convened the Majlis Al-Ulama (College of Sheikhs) to elect a Mufti as per Article 7 (1) of the UMSC constitution.”
According to Prof. Kisambira, the Majlis Al-Ulama, with legal guidance from Dr. Makmot Adam Kibwanga, found no constitutional contradiction in considering Mubaje for another term.
“This decision was made in the interest of continuity and stability to facilitate a smooth transition in UMSC leadership.”
Kisambira further emphasized that this was not an automatic extension but rather a new mandate under the updated 2022 constitution.
The re-election process faced legal opposition in the form of a pending lawsuit, HCMC No. 0065 of 2025 (Nsimbe Swaibu & 3 Others vs. UMSC & 44 Others), which sought to block the swearing-in of the new Mufti.
However, Prof. Kisambira assured the Muslim community that legal proceedings had been addressed, explaining that:
“Two applications—HCMA 181 of 2025 (seeking a temporary injunction) and HCMA 182 of 2025 (seeking an interim order)—were scheduled for hearing on March 12, 2025.”
Despite these challenges, the UMSC officially announced on March 13, 2025, that Sheikh Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje is the new Mufti of Uganda, alongside Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa as the First Deputy Mufti.
