UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | In a startling turn of events, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) finds itself engulfed in a crisis marked by leadership upheavals and allegations of property fraud.
Mufti Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, a prominent figure within UMSC, now faces suspension for six months, accused of involvement in the alleged sale and auctioning of Muslim mosques, including the National Mosque.
The turmoil within UMSC took a dramatic turn when Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, the deputy Mufti of Uganda, was elected as the acting Mufti following the suspension of Mubajje.
The suspension, triggered by a court order granting authority to Yudaya Babirye, Burhan Namanya, and Hussein, has cast a shadow over the council’s leadership and intensified the ongoing investigation into property fraud.
The special session of the UMSC general assembly, organised under the court order, aimed to scrutinise the alleged sale and auctioning of Muslim properties.
Mubajje’s suspension facilitates the commencement of an inquiry led by a committee comprising members from various regions, including West Nile, Makindye, Eastern Region, Kigezi, and Busoga.
Isa Gule emerged as the new chairperson for UMSC, leading to the suspension of Dr. Mohammed Lubega, the previous chairperson.
However, concerns about irregularities in Lubega’s election have been raised, with accusations that the proceedings deviated from the UMSC constitution’s stipulated procedures.
The dispute within UMSC also extends to the acting Mufti, Sheikh Ssemambo, who may face an inquiry into his conduct. Sources indicate that meetings to “discipline” him have already commenced.
Deputy Mufti, sworn in during the investigation into Mubajje, pledged to uphold the UMSC constitution. Any deviation from this commitment could be considered a violation, leading to potential consequences.
The controversy, although seemingly rooted in allegations of property fraud, is part of a more extended power struggle for control over the leadership of UMSC.
An anonymous source suggests that both factions, led by Mubajje and his opponents, are engaged in a power play rather than a genuine concern for the Muslim community’s welfare.
While the recent events centre around the alleged sale of Muslim properties, the discord traces back to the review of the UMSC constitution, the election period, and the general assembly in December of the previous year.
The conflict between factions led by Hussein Bassajabala and Mubajje became evident during the December 2022 general assembly.
Hajj Abdul Kyimba, representing the Hussein Bassajabala faction, sought to reclaim the position of chairperson of the general assembly but faced contestation due to his previous impeachment.
The power struggle has now escalated, leading to Mubajje’s suspension and a complex legal and organisational battle within UMSC.
The embattled Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, has refused to step down despite the suspension and the appointment of Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo as the acting Mufti.
The UMSC General Assembly’s resolution, orchestrated by a court order, has heightened tensions, with both factions asserting the legality of their actions.
As the crisis within UMSC continues to unfold, the Muslim community grapples with uncertainty about its leadership and the integrity of its religious institutions.
The property fraud allegations add a layer of complexity to an already contentious situation, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and the proper governance of the UMSC.
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