Jubaland opposes federal bill to establish Somali Ulema Council

Friday September 4, 2026

Kismayo (HOL) — Jubaland’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has formally opposed a federal bill seeking to establish the Somali Ulema Council, saying the proposal violates the Constitution and the powers of Jubaland State.

In a statement Thursday, the ministry said the bill, submitted by Somalia’s federal Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, deals with religious and social affairs, which Jubaland says fall under the constitutional powers of federal member states.

“The Jubaland Constitution and the agreements established in the federal system of Somalia give the state governments the power to manage matters related to religion and society, and these matters are not exclusively limited to the federal government,” the statement said.

Jubaland warned that the proposed Somali Ulema Council could affect the independence and authority of religious institutions in federal member states.

The ministry called on relevant institutions to review the initiative.

It said Jubaland openly rejects the bill and warned that, if passed, it could undermine the constitutional powers of the states and Somalia’s federal structure.

Somalia’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs submitted the bill to the House of the People on Tuesday.

The draft law consists of three chapters and 30 articles outlining the council’s legal basis, structure, powers, responsibilities and activities.

The federal ministry said the purpose of the bill is to establish a national council with a legal and accountable structure that serves the interests of the country, religion and Somali society.

The bill is expected to be debated by lawmakers as it moves through the legislative process.