The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has issued a rare public caution to members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Entrepreneurs League, warning them against electing Hajj Hassan Basajjabalaba as national chairman.
The warning was delivered during Jumah prayers on Friday at the UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala, where several religious leaders used the pulpit to speak about the importance of integrity in leadership without shying away from directly naming Basajjabalaba and his chequered record.
“Leadership is a trust from Allah, not a license to plunder,” said Sheikh Muhammed Ssemambo, one of the khatibs. “A man who has abused the offices of both religion and business cannot be trusted with any other. We urge the NRM delegates, do not give him your vote. He has no integrity.”
The remarks come less than two years after Basajjabalaba was removed from the UMSC General Assembly in a bitter power struggle, amid accusations of violating the UMSC constitution, dividing the Muslim community and using his position for personal gain.
“We have seen what happens when such men are put in charge,” said Sheikh Abdul Hafiz Ssenoga from Masaka, who attended the prayers. “Instead of unity, they bring division. Instead of service, they bring self-service. We must speak the truth, even if it makes some uncomfortable.”
The khatibs referenced past scandals, including the Shs 142 billion market compensation saga, forged court documents to avoid paying taxes, and land disputes linked to Muslim community property.
“This is not gossip, it is public record,” said Sheikh Ramathan Kakande of Mukono. “If we ignore history, we will repeat it. NRM will be handing over the Entrepreneurs League back to a man whose name only appears in the news when money is missing.”
After the sermon, worshippers gathered in small groups outside the mosque many expressing support for the warning.
“We are grateful that our leaders have spoken plainly,” said Hajjat Aisha Namutebi, a businesswoman from Kawempe. “We cannot keep elevating people who enrich only their families and leave the rest of us in poverty. Delegates should know that electing such a person is like signing a blank cheque for corruption.”
“When a religious body like UMSC openly warns against someone, it means the problem is not small,” added Hajji Yusuf Wamala, a trader from Nakasero. “NRM delegates must think twice. This is not about politics, it’s about morality.”
With the NRM Entrepreneurs League elections scheduled for August 25th, the UMSC’s public stand could intensify resistance to Basajjabalaba’s bid, especially among Muslim delegates who still feel betrayed by his tenure in the country’s highest Muslim administrative body.
“We pray the delegates hear us,” Sheikh Ssemambo concluded. “Do not elect a man whose legacy is stained with fraud, division, and greed. Our faith demands better. Uganda deserves better.”
