Mubaje calls for peace ahead of 2026 elections

The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has called on Ugandans to uphold peace, tolerance, and unity ahead of the upcoming national elections, warning against any form of violence that could threaten national stability.

Speaking during two separate Thanksgiving ceremonies in Kajjansi and Kakiri, the Mufti urged citizens of all faiths and political affiliations to maintain calm and protect the country’s hard-earned peace as political tensions begin to rise.

“Let us not allow elections to divide our communities. Violence is not the answer. We must use our voices peacefully and lawfully to shape the future of our country,” he said.

Mufti also appealed to security agencies to safeguard the democratic rights of all citizens during the election period.

While the primary purpose of the gatherings was to celebrate academic milestones among young Muslims, the Mufti used the opportunity to highlight the role of education in promoting peace, development, and religious moderation.

In Kajjansi, the Mufti joined the family of the late Haj Ibrahim Mpira, a former Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) official, to celebrate the graduation of his daughter, Nasra binti Ibrahim, from Islamic Call University College with a Bachelor’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Mufti Mubaje recalled supporting Nasra’s education as a tribute to her father’s legacy of service to UMSC.

“Education is a treasure, and when used wisely, it builds peaceful communities,” he said, urging youth to keep upgrading their knowledge and using it to serve society constructively.

Later in Kakiri, Wakiso District, the Mufti attended a similar event hosted by Sheikh Badru Ssebale, in honor of his son, Sheikh Twalha Badru Ogola Ssebale Jr., who had completed Thanawi (Advanced Islamic Studies) at Bilal Islamic Institute.

He praised the family for investing in religious education and reminded parents that every Muslim child has a right to a meaningful name, Qur’anic instruction, and guidance in starting a righteous family.

To the graduates, the Mufti offered a word of caution: “Let your knowledge guide your actions, but do not overstep your level when it comes to issuing religious verdicts.”

He reaffirmed UMSC’s commitment to strengthening clerical training through recognized institutions.