By Our Reporter
MBALE
Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, the Grand Mufti of Uganda, has been accused by the Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) of unlawfully occupying and developing its land in defiance of a court order.
The disputed property is Plot 73, measuring approximately 73 hectares, located in Doko. According to BCU, part of this land had previously been sold by former BCU leadership to government and now hosts the Industrial Park.
Documents seen by our reporter indicate that BCU received a land title for the contested property on January 27, 1989.
The dispute escalated in 2023 when BCU dragged Mufti Mubajje to the Mbale High Court under Civil Suit No. 39 of 2023. The court subsequently issued a temporary injunction, under Miscellaneous Application No. 216 of 2025, restraining both parties from utilizing or developing the land until the matter is resolved.
However, BCU now alleges that Mufti Mubajje has ignored the court order and proceeded to develop the land. He is reported to have used the Christmas holiday period to erect structures on the property.
According to BCU Board Treasurer, Mabonga, the Mufti is allegedly using his influence to intimidate local security authorities in order to facilitate the construction. He emphasized that out of respect for his esteemed office, the Mufti should lead by example and uphold the law. Mabonga further stated that the land belongs to the Bamasaaba community and must be protected.
In response, Mufti Mubajje insists he is the rightful owner, claiming to have purchased the land from a one Nankya, said to be a daughter of Semei Kakungulu. He declined to comment further on the ongoing court matter.
