Muslim lawyers laud Museveni over appointments

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The Uganda Muslim Lawyers Association (UMLAS) has commended President Yoweri Museveni over the increased appointment of Muslims in the Judiciary, among other government departments.

Speaking at an iftar dinner at Kabira Country club on March 13, 2025, the leadership of the Muslim lawyers body, said the increased appointment of Muslims in the Judiciary and other government departments has given them hope that marginalisation will soon become a thing of the past. 

“As Muslim lawyers, we are grateful to the President over the increased appointment of Muslims in the judiciary. We now have a Muslim judge at the Supreme Court (Justice Muzamir Kibeedi) and a Muslim Inspector General of Police, among others, which means our voices have been heard,” Rashid Ssemambo, the Muslim lawyers' president, said.

Open doors

Ssemambo, however, implored Muslims that have been appointed in the positions of responsibility to not only be exemplary but also put in extra efforts to open doors for others.

“I urge all Muslims that have been appointed in the position of responsibility not to shame us. Please shun corruption, work hard and be steadfast in whatever you do, putting in mind that you are carrying our flag,” Ssemambo said.

For the first time in the history of the Judiciary, there is at least a muslim judicial officer at the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court, with the majority being at the Chief Magistrates Court.

The 2024 national population census results indicated that Muslims are estimated at 6 million, representing 13.2% of the total population of about 45.9 million people.

Ssemambo also appealed to the Muslim fraternity to support each other instead of pulling themselves down.

“I know that we come from diverse backgrounds; we have differences in opinion whereby some of us support the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and others [in] Opposition but as Muslims, we are enjoined by the Koran to keep united and also support each other,” Ssemambo said.  

Because Muslims come from diverse backgrounds, Ssemambo said it is high time for them to embrace unity in diversity.

“If we find ourselves in contradiction, let us not insult each other but approach each other for consensus because erring is human,” Ssemambo said.

Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Justice Kibeedi commended the Muslim lawyers for organising the iftar dinner, saying it is good for brothers to meet occasionally and share experiences.

Justice Kibeedi said Muslim unity has become more important than before.

“When you are a minority, the importance of unity becomes higher. We may have differences in the viewpoint, which is okay, but we Muslims embrace unity in diversity to achieve our aspirations,” Justice Kibeedi said.

Siraj Katantazi Mukasa, the chief executive officer of the Muslim lawyers’ association, said one of their missions is to foster Muslim unity in diversity.