Africa-Press – Uganda. Muslim leaders in Kabale District have clearly spoken out against the common practice in Uganda of associating Muslims with terrorism, stating that Islam is not terrorism and terrorism is not Islam.
The remarks were made during Eid Al-Adha prayers held at Al-Madina Stadium in Kabale Municipality.
In Uganda, most terrorism cases are usually attributed to the Islamic faith, which has led to the arrest of many Muslims.
Sheikh Kabu Lule, the Kabale District Kadhi, clarified that Islam is not terrorism and terrorism is not Islam, adding that according to Islam, there is no teaching that promotes terrorism.
Rather, Islam is a religion of peace. He added that individuals should be held accountable for their actions, rather than blaming the entire Islamic religion.
Sheikh Lule further stated that the word “terrorism” has most times been wrongly attached to Muslims participating in acts of terror.
“Islam is a peaceful religion, we are peaceful people, but when you look around, whatever happens, they say that one looks like a terrorist—this is an act of terrorism. Our request here is especially to security and other government agencies: if a Muslim commits any act of terrorism, that Muslim should be treated as an individual. That Muslim should be regarded as a Ugandan, not as a Muslim,” Sheikh Lule stated.
Sheikh Kasiimu Kamugisha, an executive member of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, said there is need to give Muslims an opportunity to express themselves without being segregated as terrorists.
He also called on Muslims to be careful about being recruited into terrorism, adding that there is a need for Muslims to protect their religion.
“We should separate terrorism from Islam. Muslims have been segregated because of terrorism acts—this has greatly affected development. We should allow Muslims to express themselves so that they can take a big step in the development of Uganda,” Sheikh Kasiimu noted.
Hajji Issa Tindyebwa, the Kabale Muslim Council District Chairperson, condemned continued corruption in Uganda, highlighting the need for heavy punishment to deter those who embezzle public funds.
He also criticized the practice of job bribery, where positions are given to those who pay the most rather than the most qualified candidates.
Hajji Tindyebwa warned that if corruption and job bribery continue, communities will not get better leaders who serve the interests of all Ugandans.
Catherine Ndamira, the Woman MP for Kabale District, called for collective efforts to fight corruption in Uganda.
She encouraged Ugandans to report suspected corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
“Corruption is between you and me. We should use this Eid to repent and join hands in fighting corruption. Corruption has been promoted because of self-centered people. Let’s promote love amongst ourselves so that we can all fight the act of corruption,” Ndamira noted.
The sermon against terrorism serves as a call to action, urging the community to promote peace, understanding, and mutual respect.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
