The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, has urged Muslims to maintain peace, especially during this time when the country has started political campaigns.
During Eid-Adhuha prayers at Kampala Mosque, Mubajje strongly condemned the acts of violence among people and called on Muslims to strive for peace.
He said: “Why is it that in every act of violence, our names appear? What is done in secrecy and by Muslims, others hear about it, and that’s not Islam.”
Mubajje also expressed frustration with the leadership of the Hajj Bureau, which oversees the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, saying that due to the chaos, many Muslims missed out on performing Hajj this year.
“The government gave us 100 slots for Hajj this year, but due to the mess in the bureau, we missed out because visas were sold,” Mubajje said.
At Nakivubo Stadium, prayers were led by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Buyondo, who condemned the habit of religious leaders attacking other people’s beliefs.
“Why do you attack other people’s beliefs? You will not convert everybody. Concentrate on the right teachings,” Buyondo urged.
He also criticized those who cling to political positions, saying, “You have been in parliament for three terms, and you still want another term. Please create space for newcomers as well. Let’s learn the habit of leaving power.”
At Kibuli, Prince Kassim Nakibinge thanked President Museveni for coming forward and apologizing for the wrongs he committed, saying it was a great act of statesmanship.
“The President of Uganda made an apology to all Ugandans for all the wrongs he committed; that was very statesmanlike of him, to apologize, knowing that he is human. But now that you appreciate that a lot has gone wrong, please take this time off and correct the mistakes,” Nakibinge said.
Nakibinge also urged Museveni to engage with the opposition for the sake of Uganda.
“We think that you should be able to initiate meaningful dialogue with members of the opposition for a better Uganda,” said Nakibinge.
He said political detainees should be released unconditionally.
The slaughtering of animals will continue for three days as part of the Eid-Adhuha tradition.
