Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has launched a scathing attack on TikTok, urging the government to ban or strictly regulate the popular social media app, which he claims is worse than Facebook—a platform already blocked in Uganda since 2021.
“TikTok Is for Idlers and Nonsense” – Mufti’s Strong Words
In a fiery statement, Sheikh Mubajje criticized TikTok as a haven for time-wasters and slanderers, arguing that it spreads more harm than Facebook ever did.
“The government closed Facebook, but I think TikTok is worse. It’s full of idlers, attention-seekers, and people who just talk nonsense,” he said.
He revealed that during a recent trip abroad, he visited a country where TikTok was banned—and praised the move, saying, “I thought, this is good.”
Religious Misinformation a Major Concern
The Mufti also took aim at Islamic preachers on TikTok, accusing them of distorting religious teachings and dividing Muslims with trivial debates.
“Most sheikhs on TikTok are misleading people. Instead of teaching the core principles of Islam, they focus on petty arguments—especially during Ramadan,” he said.
His comments come amid growing scrutiny of social media’s role in spreading misinformation, with Uganda previously banning Facebook over claims it was being used to incite violence and unrest.
Will the Government Act?
While Uganda has a history of restricting social media, especially during elections, it remains unclear whether authorities will take action against TikTok.
- Facebook was banned in 2021 after the government accused it of censoring pro-government voices.
- Other platforms, like X, have faced restrictions during political tensions.
Analysts suggest that if pressure from religious leaders grows, TikTok could be the next target.
