The Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has called on politicians to accept the outcomes of the recently concluded general elections, stressing that democratic maturity requires grace in both victory and defeat.
Speaking on Sunday, February 1, 2026, during memorial prayers for the late Saidi Bizimungu at Kasambya Village in Watuba Sub-county, Kyankwanzi Muslim District, the Mufti reminded political actors that elections are inherently competitive and inevitably produce winners and losers.
“Where there are election competitions, winners always have to emerge. Civility therefore demands that those who did not succeed accept the outcome and congratulate those who were successful—especially where the processes were genuine and the victory margins were wide,” Mufti Mubaje said.
The memorial prayers were organised by the family of the late Bizimungu, whose children include Hon. Habibu Mutabazi, a member of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) General Assembly.
Addressing the congregation, the Mufti also urged Muslims to live righteous lives and remain steadfast in practising the will of Almighty Allah in their daily affairs.
“Whoever strives in the cause of Allah, He will guide them on the straight path,” he preached, quoting the Holy Qur’an.
Mufti Mubaje hailed the late Bizimungu for his unwavering support of Islamic activities in the area, noting that he constructed a mosque and served diligently as its treasurer and as LC I village chairperson for many years.
Quoting a saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Mufti reminded believers that when a righteous person dies, their deeds cease except for three: beneficial knowledge left behind, Swadaqatul Jaliya—continuous charity such as building a mosque, school or water source—and God-fearing children who continue to pray for the deceased.
“You should emulate the late Bizimungu,” the Mufti advised.
He further urged Imams to take Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) seriously, calling on those yet to register to do so promptly. He noted that government budget processes are underway to allocate funds to SACCOs across various Muslim districts.
The Mufti also encouraged Ugandans to embrace government poverty alleviation programmes, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Earlier, several leaders addressed the congregation, including Sheikh Imran Ssali, UMSC Secretary for Religious Affairs, and Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda Busungu, the Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti. Haj Dr. Edris Sserugo Kasenene commended the current UMSC administration under Mufti Mubaje for promoting constitutionalism.
Sheikh Abdu Majed Mulinda, the host Kadhi of Kyankwanzi Muslim District, briefed the gathering on Islamic activities in the district, while Ms. Halima Nassali, the East Buganda Regional Women Representative, spoke on behalf of her constituency.
Among those in attendance were Sheikh Abdu Karim Abdallah Katamba, Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of Ankole–Kigezi and Director of Halal, members of the UMSC General Assembly, Sheikh Abdu-Wahid Rashid Nkalubo, Imam of the National Mosque, Mr. Semugaba Samuel, LC V-elect, Haj Hamim Ssentongo, and other Muslim leaders.
