The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Secretary General, Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, has called on the Muslim community to remain united, focused, and to rally behind the mainstream UMSC leadership. He urged them to disregard the disorganized and false claims made by individuals like Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo, the former Deputy Mufti. Hon. Muluubya offered this guidance in response to the baseless remarks Ssemambo has made at various social events, particularly during memorial prayers (Duwahs) for departed Muslims, where he was invited to preach the words of Almighty Allah as prescribed in the Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Ssemambo has also repeatedly aired similar falsehoods on radio and television talk shows, attacking the character of His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda. He falsely alleges that the Mufti wrongfully acquired and misappropriated compensation funds from the Ugandan government, claiming the money was received by the Mufti personally rather than by the UMSC as an entity.
In his response, Hon. Muluubya reminded Ssemambo that before he left his position as Deputy Mufti a year ago, he was part of the UMSC when it conducted nationwide general elections in 2022. These elections led to the formation of the mandated organs, with elected Muslim representatives entrusted with the responsibility to carry out official duties on behalf of the entire Muslim community, as outlined in the UMSC Constitution. Therefore, decisions made are collective responsibilities, not to be attributed to the Mufti alone.
Furthermore, Hon. Muluubya clarified that the government approved partial payments of the compensation funds, which have since been remitted to the UMSC. It is important to note that these funds were directed to the UMSC, not to any individual, as Sheikh Ssemambo is suggesting in an attempt to garner sympathy from the Muslim community. The funds have been properly managed by the responsible committee members and are being utilized in a long-term asset-based revenue generation plan for the Council. This is evident in ongoing projects such as the construction of a multi-story apartment building with 29 housing units in an upscale suburb of Kampala.
Hon. Muluubya further expressed regret over Sheikh Ssemambo’s hypocrisy, calling his accusations against the government “childish” and an indication of someone who has lost touch with reality. He emphasized that the UMSC has only received a small portion of the anticipated compensation funds for properties such as ranches taken over by the authorities.
Lastly, he refuted Ssemambo’s false claims regarding any funds being received for the Kitante Golf Course land in Kampala, affirming that the UMSC has never received any compensation for that property.
Hon. Muluubya concluded by appealing to the Muslim community to verify any information they hear from such individuals. By doing so, they can follow the guidance taught by Almighty Allah in the Holy Qur’an. He also encouraged those interested in learning more about UMSC activities to visit the UMSC offices, which remain open for anyone seeking first-hand information. He urged the Muslim faithful to avoid the divisive tactics of individuals with selfish agendas, whose aim is to sow discord and unnecessary conflict among the believers.