Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje
Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, is the Grand Mufti of Uganda under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council a position he has occupied since 2000. Mubaje was born in 1955 in Buyobo, Budadiri, Mbale District, Uganda. [1]
He was elected the Grand Mufti on December 11, 2000, with a focus on unity and development within the Muslim community.[2]
Early Life and Education
[edit]Mubaje was born to the late Hajji Ramadhan Mubaje and Hajjat Hadijah Naake. He began his education at Buyobo Primary School and continued his Islamic theological studies at Kyampisi Muslim School for O'level and Bugembe Islamic Institute in Jinja for A'level.[3]
He furthered his academic journey by obtaining a postgraduate diploma in philosophy from Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale. He later pursued a master's degree in religious studies from Makerere University and subsequently lectured at Islamic University in Uganda in religious studies.[4]
Career
[edit]Before his election as Grand Mufti, Mubaje served as the Khadi of Mbale District, where he gained recognition for his leadership and efforts in community development.[5] On December 11, 2000, he was elected as the Grand Mufti of Uganda, a position he has since held, advocating for unity among Ugandan Muslims and fostering national and international collaboration.[6][7]
As the Grand Mufti, Mubaje has been actively involved in interfaith initiatives and was instrumental in the formation of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) and the Religions for Peace - African Council of Religious Leaders. These organizations have played a key role in promoting religious harmony and addressing socio-economic issues affecting Ugandans.[8]
Leadership and Contributions
[edit]During his tenure, Mubaje has overseen various initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the Muslim community in Uganda.[9] [10]He has championed the establishment of educational institutions, supported economic empowerment programs, and encouraged youth involvement in developmental activities.[11][12]
He has also been a vocal advocate for peace and reconciliation, often calling for dialogue among different religious and political groups.[13][14][15] His leadership has seen efforts to modernize the UMSC, improve governance structures, and promote the recognition of Islamic institutions within the Ugandan legal framework.[16]
Controversies
[edit] | This article's "criticism" or "controversy" section may compromise the article's neutrality. (February 2025) |
Mubaje’s tenure has not been without challenges.[17] He has faced opposition from factions within the Muslim community, including allegations related to financial mismanagement, land disputes and overstaying in office within the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.[18][19] In 2008, he was at the center of a legal dispute but was later acquitted. Despite these controversies, he has remained a key figure in Uganda's religious leadership.[20]
In December 2023, an attempt was made by some members of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council to suspend him from office, citing governance concerns.[21] However, he maintained his position as Grand Mufti, and the matter remains a point of contention within the council.[22][23]
References
[edit]- ^ "Who is Sheikh Shaban Mubajje?". New Vision. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ "Mubajje urges Muslims to unite". New Vision. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ "Who is Sheikh Shaban Mubajje?". New Vision. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ "H.E. Sheikh Shaban Mubaje - Religions for Peace". 2020-10-13. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ "Mbale Khadi elected Mufti". New Vision. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ Matovu, Muhamadi (2024-10-14). "Mubaje calls for cooperation to bolster East African integration". Nilepost News. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ "Mubajje Calls For Unity, Dialogue". Uganda Radionetwork. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ "H.E. Sheikh Shaban Mubaje - Religions for Peace". 2020-10-13. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ "Sheikh Shaban Mubajje urges Muslims to save and invest". New Vision. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ Matovu, Muhamadi (2024-03-29). "Mubaje encourages Muslims save, embrace investment opportunities". Nilepost News. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ "UMSC launches Shs700m economic transformation project". Monitor. 2024-08-02. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ "Mufti Mubaje Urges Youth to Work Hard and Avoid Marrying for Wealth – Uganda Radio Network". 2025-02-01. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ "Mufti calls for peace". New Vision. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ Matovu, Muhamadi (2024-06-16). "Mubajje urges Muslims on peaceful co-existance". Nilepost News. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ Okello, Dickens H. (2019-06-04). "PICTURES: Mufti Mubaje Calls For Peaceful Co-Existence In Eid Prayers". ChimpReports. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ Matovu, Muhamadi (2024-11-20). "UMSC reclaims Kampala land, secures new property titles". Nilepost News. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ Independent, The (2025-01-04). "Court quashes resolutions against Mufti Mubajje, calls for arbitration". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ URN (2023-12-12). "Muslim lawyers drag Mufti of Uganda Mubaje to court over corruption". The Observer. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ Independent, The (2022-07-14). "Sheikhs petition court challenging Mubaje's stay in office". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ "Govt case against Mubajje dismissed". New Vision. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ Independent, The (2022-07-14). "Sheikhs petition court challenging Mubaje's stay in office". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ "Mubajje stays put as UMSC apex organ kicks him out". Monitor. 2023-12-19. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
- ^ Independent, The (2025-01-04). "Court quashes resolutions against Mufti Mubajje, calls for arbitration". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved 2025-02-05.