Luwero Muslim District Council Replaces Chairperson‎

The Luwero Muslim District Council has elected a new chairman to replace Ali Ndawula Ssekyanzi, who was impeached after opposing the re-election of Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje as Mufti of Uganda. In April 2025, the Luwero Muslim District Council impeached Ndawula following a petition endorsed by 17 members shortly after he led protests in Kampala challenging Sheikh Mubaje’s re-election, arguing that the Mufti was ineligible to continue serving after attaining the age of 70.

Ndawula, through M/S Sewankambo and Company Advocates, challenged his impeachment in court but later abandoned the case.‎‎ On Tuesday, the Luwero Muslim District Council sitting at Kasana Mosque in Luwero Town unanimously elected the former vice chairperson, Hajji Muhammad Matovu, to replace Ndawula. The Luwero District Kadhi, Sheikh Ramadhan Mulindwa Nsanjja, said the election was conducted to fully constitute the district leadership and ensure continuity in the council’s work.

He noted that due process was followed before Ndawula’s impeachment, including allowing him to defend himself, but he declined to appear before the council. ‎‎Mulindwa urged Muslims in the district to support the new chairman as he executes his duties and works towards promoting Islam. Matovu will serve the remainder of the five-year term, which expires in 2027.

Speaking to Uganda Radio Network on Wednesday, Ndawula said the council was free to elect his successor because he no longer wished to be part of what he described as “corrupt leadership. ‎‎”I have other issues to attend to, and I left the leadership of the Muslim council. I will continue to worship Allah as an individual Muslim and leave other matters to Him,” Ndawula said. ‎‎In his acceptance remarks, Hajji Muhammad Matovu pledged allegiance to the Constitution of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and promised to foster unity among Muslims in the district. ‎‎Matovu also committed to mentoring Muslim county councils to hold regular meetings aimed at promoting development across the district.