The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has urged politicians to accept the outcomes of the recently concluded general elections, saying respect for results is a key marker of democratic maturity.
Mubaje made the remarks while addressing mourners during memorial prayers for the late Saidi Bizimungu at Kasambya village in Watuba Sub-county, Kyankwanzi District.
He said elections inevitably produce winners and losers and called on those who did not succeed to demonstrate civility by accepting the outcome.
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"Where there are election competitions, winners always have to emerge," Mubaje said. "Civility requires that those who didn't succeed accept the outcome and congratulate those who were successful, especially where the processes were genuine and the margins were wide."
The prayers were organised by the family of the late Bizimungu, whose children include Habibu Mutabazi, a member of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council General Assembly.
Beyond electoral matters, the Mufti urged Muslims to live upright lives guided by the teachings of Islam, reminding believers that faith should shape conduct in all aspects of life.
He also paid tribute to the late Bizimungu for his contribution to the growth of Islam in the area, noting that he built a mosque and served both as its treasurer and as Local Council I chairperson for many years.
Mubaje further encouraged Muslim leaders, particularly Imams, to actively participate in Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations, saying this would enable Muslim communities to benefit from government budget allocations and improve household incomes.
He also called on Ugandans to take advantage of government poverty alleviation programmes, including the Parish Development Model, which he said presents opportunities for grassroots economic transformation.
Several Muslim leaders addressed the congregation, including Sheikh Imran Ssali, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Secretary for Religious Affairs, and Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda Busungu, the Kampala Regional Assistant to the Mufti.
Other speakers commended the UMSC leadership for promoting constitutionalism and shared updates on Islamic activities in Kyankwanzi District.
The event was attended by members of the UMSC General Assembly, regional assistants to the Mufti, local leaders, and Muslim faithful from across the district.
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