BY DANIEL MUMBYA
The Muslim community in Iganga District strongly condemns the disrespectful treatment of its members by security agencies, who have been conducting widespread arrests under the guise of terrorism suspicions. These arbitrary arrests have led to the disappearance of family members, causing immense distress.
Hajji Walubi Abbubaker, the Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement in Busoga Region, vehemently denounces the unjust arrest of innocent Muslims on baseless accusations of terrorism and other crimes. Such actions stain the reputation of the Ugandan government within the community.
Abbubaker emphasized the importance of introducing Islamic Education into government schools to facilitate Quranic studies from an early age, allowing for the promotion of Islamic faith across all levels of education in the country. He also stressed the need to remove religious affiliations from political matters, highlighting how politicians exploit religious platforms to manipulate and divide members of their own faith, leading to disrespect and disunity. These sentiments were expressed during his visit to Iganga Municipal Council Primary School to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
The Iganga District Khatib, Sheikh Sinan Muwanika, as well, called upon security agencies, including the police, army, and other government security organs, to offer an apology to the Muslim community for the reported incident of beating during the Iftar and the launch of the Islamic bank at Kololo Ground.
The actions of the security organs were deemed unlawful and disrespectful towards the fasting Muslims, as they were beaten while waiting to break their fast during Ramadan, an incident which resulted in shock and tears among the affected individuals.
The Busoga Islamic Region is advocating for appropriate measures to be taken by the government to address this issue and foster better relations between the security agencies and the Muslim community.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Rwegale Juma, Secretary of Iganga Muslim Supreme Council and Eid prayer leader, advocates for unity among Muslims to achieve paradise and blessings in this life and the hereafter.
He stressed the importance of discipline and faith, urging the community to uphold Ramadan traditions like paying Zakat and supporting those in need.
Sheikh Juma strongly condemns high-interest loans from traditional financial institutions, citing cases where individuals lost their properties due to repayment challenges. “I encourage my brothers and sisters to consider the newly introduced Islamic banking offering loans at 0% interest. Timely repayment is crucial for the benefit of all,” emphasized Juma. Let’s unite, stay disciplined, and embrace the Islamic banking system for a prosperous future.