Uganda's Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, called for stronger Muslim representation within the national government and Cabinet on Thursday [1].
The demand highlights a growing tension regarding political inclusivity in Kampala. If the government fails to address these representation gaps, it risks alienating a significant demographic that contributes to national development but lacks proportional influence in decision-making processes.
Speaking in Kampala, Mubaje said that the current structure of the public service and the Cabinet does not accurately reflect the role of Muslims in the country [2]. He said that the current level of inclusion is insufficient, suggesting that a small slice of representation is not enough for the community [3].
According to data cited by the Mufti, Muslims constitute about 14% of the population in Uganda [3]. Mubaje said this demographic is under-represented in the Cabinet and across the broader public service [2].
The Mufti said that the contribution of Muslims to the national development of Uganda justifies a more equitable distribution of leadership roles [2]. He called for a shift in how the government appoints officials to ensure that the administrative body mirrors the diversity of the citizenry [3].
This call for reform comes as the religious leadership seeks to ensure that the voices of the Muslim community are heard in the highest levels of governance. Mubaje said that achieving this balance is essential for national harmony and effective administration [2].
“A small slice is not enough”
This push for increased representation reflects a broader effort by Uganda's religious leadership to translate demographic presence into political power. By citing the 14% population figure, the Mufti is framing the issue as one of proportional fairness rather than mere preference, signaling that the Muslim community views its current role in the state as an under-utilization of its social and political capital.
