The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has appointed Sheikh Hafidh Haroon Muhammad Bukenya as its new deputy mufti, replacing Sheikh Abdallah Ssemambo who resigned amid controversy.

The announcement was made on Thursday at the Old Kampala Mosque by Director of Sharia Law, Sheikh Ziyad Lubanga, in the presence of the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Ramadhan Mubajje.

The development comes as the UMSC prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary on December 12, 2024. Mufti Mubajje expressed pride in the council’s achievements, citing President Museveni’s recognition of their growth.

“Recently, while celebrating the National Muslim Women’s Conference, President Museveni emphasized that if one focuses on one small thing, one can achieve something bigger and more meaningful with time, and we can confirm it,” Mubajje said.

Mubajje highlighted the progress made by the council, including the construction of the Gaddafi mosque, and acknowledged the challenges they faced, including a decade of infighting that affected the Muslim community.

“We are here to thank Allah that the UMSC is moving forward in a steady and balanced manner because many have witnessed where we have come from,” he said.

Mubajje also regretted the ten years lost due to infighting that affected the Muslim community across the country. However, he noted that Muslims have united again and development programs are progressing well.

“We are sure that Muslims have united again across the country and development programs are progressing well, in which we have empowered different sections of people,” he said.

The newly appointed Sheikh Bukenya is committed to promoting and protecting the Muslim community. “I am ready to work with existing leadership to ensure that we achieve all of our goals for the good of the Muslim community,” he said.

The UMSC 50th anniversary celebration is expected to attract dignitaries from various Muslim countries, with keynote speeches and other events planned. Mubajje urged all Ugandans to support the committee appointed to lead the commemoration and thanked President Museveni for fostering unity among Muslims.

“On this day, we are expecting different dignitaries from different Muslim countries to deliver opening speeches,” he said.