Muslim leaders at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Coouncil (UMSC) have called for the resignation of Sheikh Shaban Mubajje from his role as Mufti of Uganda, arguing him to relinquish the position with immediate effect.

During a media interview on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at his offices in Buziga, Sheikh Abdallah Ibrahim Ssemambo, the former Deputy Mufti of Uganda,emphasized that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Coouncil (UMSC) constitution mandates that a mufti must vacate office upon reaching 70 years.

The Muslim constitution, in its latest amendment (2022), states that the maximum age cap was raised from 70 to 75 for the post of Mufti jointly with a Master’s degree in Sharia and secular education.

Sheikh Ssemambo insisted that Mufti Mubajje was approaching 71 years of age and held this influential position for over a decade.

According to him, Mubajje had exceeded the age limit set by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) constitution, which renders him ineligible to continue serving as Mufti.

“Sheikh Mubajje has reached the age threshold and should resign to facilitate the appointment of a new leader in accordance with the UMSC’s regulations,” Sheikh Ssemambo said.

He underscored the importance of adhering to the constitution of the UMSC in maintaining the integrity and transparency of the Muslim leadership in Uganda.

Mufti Ssemambo defended his argument as a strategic move for fresh leadership capable of effectively addressing the evolving challenges and demands of Uganda’s Muslim community.

The current Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, who ascended to office on December 11, 2002, now faces intense pressure to retire by different members of the Muslim community, especially after the case regarding the sale of eight Muslim properties, including the Old Kampala mosque.

However, it remains to be seen whether Sheikh Mubajje will heed the call to step down or if he will seek to extend his leadership despite the controversy surrounding his tenure.