Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has delivered a stern warning to Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Uganda, Mohammed Bin Khalil Faloudah, urging him to refrain from involving himself in Ugandan Muslim politics. It follows recent statements attributed to the ambassador in one of the local dailies threatening to suspend collaboration with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) over what he called endemic leadership rows.
Mohammed Bin Khalil Faloudah asked Ugandan Muslims to unite or risk losing support from Saudi Arabia. Upon returning from the Islamic International Conference on the Holy Qur’an & International Diplomacy in Iran on March 10, 2025, Mufti Mubaje expressed shock and disappointment at the Saudi envoy’s unwarranted outbursts.
“I was taken aback by such remarks. For an ambassador—especially one representing the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques—to engage in such unprovoked attacks on Uganda’s Muslim leadership is utterly uncalled for,” Mufti Mubaje stated.
The Mufti took issue with the ambassador’s comments, which he described as divisive and an inappropriate foray into Uganda’s internal Muslim politics, given that UMSC and the Saudi Embassy have a longstanding Memorandum of Cooperation that remains intact.
“It is highly inappropriate that the Saudi Ambassador has chosen to step outside the well-established diplomatic boundaries and meddle in local issues that do not concern him. His actions are not only unwelcome but threaten the unity we have worked so hard to maintain within Uganda’s Muslim community,” he said.
The ambassador’s comment come at a time when a group of Muslims is pushing for Sheikh’s retirement upon clocking 70 years as provided for in the old UMSC constitution despite the fact that the 2022 amended UMSC constitution extended the Mufti’s retirement age to 75 years of age. The same constitution mandates, the College of Imminent Sheikhs-Majlis Ulema to extend the contract of any UMSC official for a term not exceeding five years.
Mufti Mubaje took the opportunity to reaffirm that despite numerous challenges over the past 52 years, the UMSC has managed to thrive without depending on external forces. He reiterated that the UMSC is committed to fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation, and unity within the Muslim Ummah, both locally and globally.
Mufti’s Productive Trip to Iran
During his visit to Iran, Mufti Mubaje participated in various high-profile events, including a special exhibition showcasing intricate Qur’anic calligraphy and designs. He also engaged in fruitful discussions with Dr. Imanipour, the Head of Islamic Culture and Relations, who pledged support for Ugandan Muslims.
Dr. Imanipour promised to help secure copies of the Holy Qur’an for Uganda and to lobby for scholarships in science and technology fields, recognizing Iran’s expertise in these areas. According to Mufti Mubaje, these efforts would contribute to Uganda’s growth and development in the coming years.