Speaker Hosts Mufti, Discuss Support for Muslims
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Anita Among has commended Muslim leaders for their support to Parliament in the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill and their continuous prayers for the institution. She expressed her gratitude while hosting a delegation of Muslim leaders led by the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje in her office Wednesday.
In her welcoming remarks, Hon. Among highlighted the harmonious working relationship between legislators from different religious backgrounds. She also expressed gratitude to the President for accepting their request to prioritize inclusiveness in government appointments, ensuring representation for people of all religions, including Muslims, Catholics, and Anglicans among others.
Hon. Among emphasized her commitment to providing conducive facilities for Muslims to observe their obligatory prayers within the precincts of parliament. She also revealed that her office has provided a monthly allocation of 3 million Shillings to support the activities of all religious groups. ” I Am also committed to continue sponsoring Muslims in Parliament to go for Hajj and this year, we sponsored a number of Muslims for the Holy journey,” she said.
Hon. Asuman Basaalirwa, the Bugiri Municipality member of parliament, who doubles as the parliamentary Imam and the Chairperson of the Muslim Parliamentary Caucus, expressed special gratitude to the Speaker for her support of their caucus. “Hon. Speaker has been very supportive of our cause for instance when we drew her attention concerning low Muslim representation on various parliamentary subcommittees, she made a follow-up with the President which was later rectified leading me and other colleagues to get appointed on the committees. Her efforts have also seen several Muslims securing various Gov’t appointments such as Diplomats, Judges,” he said.
The Mufti, Sheikh Mubaje, expressed his delight at being received by the Speaker and presented a written proposal outlining the UMSC Strategic and Investment Plan 2023-2032, focusing on seven key areas. The proposal called for government compensation to UMSC concerning some of its properties, the operationalization of Islamic banking through the establishment of a Central Sharia Advisory Council, re-tabling of the Muslim Family Law, legalization of Muslims’ right to slaughter animals for public consumption, increased appointments of Muslims in government key authorities, and recommendations for appointments of Muslims to international agencies and bodies.
Sheikh Mubajje applauded the Speaker for her steadfast leadership in the passing of the historical Anti-Homosexuality Act and for her tireless support in fostering unity, patriotism, democracy, and socio-economic transformation within the Muslim community. He also expressed gratitude to the government for the funds allocated by Parliament for the UMSC’s constitutional review, nationwide elections, renovation works of the National Mosque amounting to Shillings 7 billion, and the passing of anti-homosexuality laws.
The Speaker responded positively to Mufti’s presentation and pledged to explore ways to provide support within her capabilities. Other attendees at the meeting included Rt. Hon. Lukia Nakadama Isanga, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, and several members of the Muslim Parliamentary Caucus.
