UMSC warns Muslim clerics against misusing social media

What the report says

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council has cautioned Muslim clerics to handle social media more carefully, saying that religious messages can be misunderstood when they are taken out of context or presented without enough thought. The warning was directed at preachers and scholars using platforms such as TikTok and WhatsApp, which the council said have widened the reach of Islamic teaching but also increased the risk of misuse.

Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, the UMSC Secretary for Education, delivered the remarks during a Friday sermon at Makerere University Business School on September 4, 2026. He urged clerics to consider both the setting and the likely effect of their words before sharing sensitive teachings, even when citing authentic religious texts. His message was that the way a lesson is communicated can shape how people view Islam.

Beyond the social media warning, Sheikh Cucu also encouraged Muslims to build their relationship with Allah through knowledge, worship, prayer and ongoing repentance. He said learning should lead to practice, and reminded believers not to become overly attached to worldly possessions. He also stressed that a strong beginning in life does not guarantee a good outcome, and that worship should be seen as an expression of gratitude, love and a request for guidance and forgiveness.

The comments reflect a broader concern among religious leaders about the fast spread of online preaching. In general, social platforms have become major channels for faith-based communication, but they also raise questions about accuracy, context and responsibility.