The Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubajje has said that appointment of incompetent Muslim leaders based on friendship into positions of authority has tainted and affected the development of Islam in Uganda which results to the undermining and disrespecting of Muslims.
He cautioned Muslim leaders who are befriending him with hope of getting into leadership positions stating that this generation of Muslims needs educated and competent people to lead them.
“If you have been befriending me with the hope of being appointed without qualifications forget it. We can remain friends and eat out food but no one will be appointed without the right qualifications,” he said.
Mubajje stated that there is hope that the newly appointed Regional Kadhis will change the narrative because they are highly qualified and competent enough to steer Muslim leadership to the next level.
Mubajje made the remarks during the inauguration of Sheikh Mustapha Lule Khamis as the first East Buganda Regional Kadhi at Kasana Umea primary school.
Mubajje said Regional Kadhis will be semi-autonomous and will oversee all the Muslim activities under their jurisdiction.
“Uganda Muslim Supreme Council resolved to institute the offices of Regional Kadhis to improve and decentralized service delivery and development among Muslims, “he noted.
He urged Muslims of East Buganda region to embrace UMSC programs because they are meant to develop Muslims and forester unity in the region.
The newly sworn in East Buganda Regional Kadhi, Sheikh Mustapha Lule Khamis promised to pay allegiance to the Mufti of Uganda and uphold the constitution of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).
Haji Abdul Nadduli, the Minister without Portfolio who represented President Yoweri Museveni at the inauguration ceremony, said the appointment of Regional Kadhis is a good idea and noted that the government will support Regional set up because it’s one way to decentralize services and offered Shs50million to help the East Buganda Region as a start-up.
East Buganda Region comprises of Luwero, Nakaseke, Kyankwanzi, Kiboga, Nakasongola, Wakiso and Kayunga districts.