Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has rejected claims of a leadership change within the organization, which have been spread through a letter purportedly signed by one Issa Gule. The letter, printed on what appears to be official UMSC-headed paper, includes the council’s logo, branding, and Arabic text, creating the false impression that the official body issued it.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, the UMSC strongly condemned these actions, describing them as the work of a group of individuals seeking to create a parallel leadership structure within the organization without any lawful authority. According to the UMSC, these individuals are impersonating officials and presenting themselves as representatives of the council, which the UMSC asserts constitutes criminal offenses, including fraud, impersonation, and unauthorized use of corporate identity.
“We believe that these actions by a few unscrupulous individuals have caused significant harm to the reputation and operations of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council,” said Hadji Abbas Muluubya Sekyanzi, Secretary General of the UMSC. “These activities not only undermine the integrity of the council but also seek to destabilize the peaceful existence of the Muslim community in Uganda.”
The statement clarified that His Eminence, the Mufti of Uganda, Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, remains in office, and all organs of the council continue to work diligently to ensure smooth operations. The UMSC also reiterated that the office of the National Chairman is an elective position, currently held by Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira.
Furthermore, the council expressed disappointment over the actions of Issa Gule, who has no official position or authority within the UMSC but has been distributing unauthorized communications to government offices, embassies, and banks. The UMSC stressed that the recent letter by Gule, announcing a supposed leadership change and summoning a special General Assembly meeting, was an illegal attempt to exploit unconstitutional methods to destabilize the council.
The UMSC concluded by reiterating its commitment to upholding the unity and peace of the Muslim community and reaffirming the leadership of Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje. The council also highlighted the successful UMSC at 50+ celebrations held from 4th to 12th December 2024, which saw wide participation from members and well-wishers alike.