The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, has cautioned Muslim leaders against turning mosques and religious gatherings into political platforms, stressing that places of worship must remain sacred and devoted solely to the message of Allah.
Delivering his message after leading Eid al-Adha prayers at Old Kampala Mosque, Sheikh Mubaje reminded the Muslim faithful of the significance of Eid, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God. Thousands of Muslims gathered to mark the holy occasion, which is one of the most important days on the Islamic calendar.
Amid the spiritual reflections, the Mufti issued a strong warning to all Muslim leaders including sheikhs and mosque chairpersons across Uganda, ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“Religious functions should not be used as platforms for campaigning or divisive politics. We should not divide our followers using pulpits,” Mufti Mubaje said, urging leaders at every level to focus on unity.
The Mufti also voiced disappointment over the recent government-sponsored pilgrimage to Mecca, where only a handful of the 100 selected Ugandans managed to travel for Hajj. He blamed the Uganda Hajj Bureau for mismanaging the process, alleging that officials diverted visas meant for Ugandan pilgrims and instead sold them to non-Ugandans.
“We have proof. Since last year and this year, the same act has been committed by the Hajj Bureau leadership. They diverted visas from rightful beneficiaries and sold them,” he claimed.
In his address, Sheikh Mubaje also appealed to Muslims to uphold the peaceful principles of Islam and to avoid any activity that may associate them with terrorism.
“Islam is a religion of peace. It is saddening that every time there is violence or terrorism, the name of Islam is dragged into it. This is very wrong,” he stated.
On the issue of age and leadership, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council defended its decision to retain Sheikh Mubaje as Mufti despite him turning 70 years old—the age usually considered the retirement cap for the office. The Council said they could not find a suitable successor and unanimously decided to extend his leadership in the interest of Islamic development.
“We want Islam to grow. We said, let him continue for some time,” a Council official said.
Looking forward, the Council pledged to focus on action over rhetoric, particularly in efforts that benefit the Muslim community (Ummah), while dismissing criticism from what they described as individuals pushing personal agendas.
“Let’s disregard the propaganda of a few people trying to misrepresent the image of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council,” the leadership urged.
As part of the Eid al-Adha traditions, Muslims across the country were encouraged to offer animal sacrificesincluding camels, cows, goats, and sheep and share with the needy to demonstrate generosity and obedience to Allah.