By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Supreme Mufti Sheikh Siliman Kasule Ndirangwa has resigned from his position with immediate effect.
Addressing the media on Thursday night, Ndirangwa noted that he could not keep his position due to endless disagreements among different sheikhs at Kibuli.
“I would like to tell you that I am no longer going to serve Islam as a leader. I have resigned as the Supreme Mufti of Uganda. I have taken the decision for the good of Islam. I have resigned to keep Islam in peace because I am sure that Islam is bigger than me as an individual,” Kasule said.
“To maintain peace within the religion, I have decided to step down because I won’t keep on fighting with fellow sheikhs in Islam at all the time. I am sure that there are those who can serve better than me. So let me give them the room to serve Islam and perhaps accomplish what I might have not finished during my reign.”
He however urges leaders who are set to take up his office to work towards the unity of the Muslim community that has been divided into factions in the recent past.
Ndirangwa resignation comes a few months after the death of outspoken Sheikh Nuhu Muzaata who was the spokesperson of the Kibuli faction.
Ndirangwa was appointed Supreme Mufti of the Kibuli-based Muslim faction on December 16, 2015, replacing Shiek Zubairi Kayongo who died in April 2014. Mahmoud Kibaate and Sheikh Habib Kabasa have been his deputies.
What Is The Genesis Of The Fights That Has Finally Led To Ndirangwa’s Resignation?
Disunity among Muslims has been the order of the day in Uganda since Islam’s advent in the country in 1844.
In 1972, former president, Idi Amin Dada forcefully “united” Muslims under the umbrella of UMSC. However, the unity was short-lived when his government was overthrown in 1979.
Muslims reunited again in 2000 shortly after the election of Sheikh Shaban Mubaje.
A few years later, divisions emerged after Sheikh Mubajje’s leadership was accused of illegally selling Muslim properties.
Those opposed to Sheikh Mubajje’s leadership took the matter to court which later exonerated him.
However, they were dissatisfied with the ruling and went ahead to establish a parallel leadership based at Kibuli Mosque.
Although the property has since reverted to Muslims and Sheikh Mubaje has publicly apologised, a section of Muslims still believes that this is not enough since he has not personally reconciled with other top leaders at Kibuli.
