UMSC Calls for Nationwide Anti-Gay Protests
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has called for countrywide protests against homosexuality, a vice that is threatening cultural and religious values.
In a letter sent out to all District Kadhis, the religious body, through its secretary for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Imran Abduboor Ssali, asked Muslim clerics to dedicate their Friday (February 24) sermon, radio and television teachings to preaching against homosexuality.
In addition to the anti-gay sermons, the clerics had also received instructions to hold peaceful processions through their respective jurisdictions but the UMSC made a backstep on the matter without giving reasons.
The call for protest comes amidst claims of the escalation of gay recruitment drives targeting young people. Islam strictly prohibits homosexuality as stipulated in the Holy Quran and declares it a great sin.
“And [remember] when Lot scolded [the men of] his people, saying, “Do you commit a shameful deed that no man has ever done before? You lust after men instead of women! You are certainly transgressors.” Qur’an 7:80-81.
The Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU) last week issued a statement expressing concern about the increased promotion of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) agenda in the country.
In their joint statement signed by Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt Rev Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, the chairperson of Uganda Episcopal Conference, Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa, heads of the Born-Again churches, Pastor Joseph Serwadda and Bishop Joshua Lwere, and the president of the Seventh Day Church, Pastor Moses Ndimukika, the clerics urged Ugandans to resist the temptation to engage in such acts and protect African values and the sanctity of the family institution.
The religious leaders expressed concern that young people, mostly those in schools, have been lured into homosexuality with the promise of money, property, and a better future and cautioned against such temptations.
“We acknowledge the increasing economic hardships and other pressures that affect our families. As religious leaders, we encourage Ugandans and especially our young people to stand firm against temptations that may ruin their lives,” the statement read.
