The position of Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje as Mufti of Uganda has been further solidified after four Muslims challenging his re-election withdrew two key court applications.
The withdrawals, made on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, were recorded before Justice Bernard Namanya at the High Court Civil Division, Twed Towers in Kampala.
The applicants — Kalokola Musa, Kasakya Musa, Byansi Twaib, and Nsimbe Swaib — had sought interim orders to block the Mufti’s swearing-in and a temporary injunction to halt his duties. However, their lawyers, led by Counsel Kizito Farouk Kamulegeya, formally dropped Miscellaneous Applications No. 181 and 182, citing developments that had overtaken their requests.
The move followed confirmation that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) organs — including the Majlis Al-Ulama, Executive Committee, and Joint Session — had completed the election process, with only the formal noting by the General Assembly pending.
Although the applicants maintained concerns about Sheikh Mubaje’s eligibility, they conceded that court intervention at this stage was no longer practical.
Representing UMSC, Counsel Musa Kabega welcomed the withdrawals, stating that the Council was fully prepared to defend the main case and would seek to cross-examine the petitioners on their standing to challenge the internal processes of the Council.
Justice Namanya adjourned the matter to May 19, 2025, to allow both sides to prepare for the next phase.
Present during the proceedings were Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, UMSC Deputy Secretary General for Finance and Administration, and Sheikh Isa Juma Mangalya, a senior member of the Majlis Al-Ulama.