UMSC Mandates Prior Approval for Muslim School Land Titles

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has issued a significant directive to all schools founded by the Muslim community across Uganda. Henceforth, these institutions must obtain prior approval from the UMSC before proceeding with the processing of land titles.

This directive, detailed in Circular No. 8 of 2026, signed by Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, the UMSC Secretary for Education and Sports, addresses concerns about schools processing land titles without adequately clarifying ownership and the role of the founding body. The UMSC fears that without this safeguard, the long-term ownership and distinct Muslim identity of these schools could be jeopardized.

Historical instances, such as issues at Arua Public Secondary School and Soroti Secondary School, have demonstrated how unclear land ownership documentation can lead to a dilution of a school’s founding identity. The UMSC is keen to prevent such occurrences in the future.

While acknowledging the government’s policy on land titles for all schools, the UMSC emphasizes that any title obtained by a Muslim-founded school must clearly identify both the school’s registered name and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council as the foundation body. This dual identification is intended to protect the school’s legal standing and the proprietary interests of the UMSC.

To enforce this, no Muslim-founded school is permitted to process or acquire a land title without the explicit written approval of the relevant Regional Assistant to the Mufti and the UMSC Headquarters. All proposed land registration processes must be submitted to the UMSC Headquarters via the Regional Assistants for thorough review and authorization.

Furthermore, District Kadhis and Regional Assistants are tasked with identifying and reporting any schools that have already acquired land titles without reflecting the UMSC as the foundation body. These cases will be escalated for appropriate action.

The UMSC has called for collaborative efforts among Muslim leaders, school administrators, and governing bodies to ensure the protection of these vital institutions for future generations.

Source: Nile Post