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Ugandan
Muslims Back Museveni for More Rights
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"We
shall support a candidate who will come with a program to support
the Muslim cause," Mubajje said.
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By
Al-Khedr Abdul Baqi, IOL Correspondent
KAMPALA,
January 19, 2006 (IslamOnline.net) – Ugandan Muslims are ready to
vote for the re-election of President Yoweri Museveni in the February
elections in swap for more religious and political rights.
"Ugandan
Muslims want more freedoms in practicing their religion as well as the
recognition of Islamic Shari`ah Courts," the Muslim Council of
Uganda in the Muslim-populated areas of Arua and Koboko said in a
statement, a copy of which was obtained by IslamOnline.net Thursday,
January 19.
The
council handed over to a Museveni advisor a ten-point memo on their
position with respect to the presidential elections, vowing to back
his reelection in case of committing himself to their demands.
The
first Shari`ah Court was launched in July 2005 in a unilateral move by
Muslim organizations in protest against the government's reluctance to
take action.
The
court will only consider Muslim cases related to marriage, divorce,
inheritance and other family-related affairs.
Museveni
is running for re-election on February 23, after 20 years in power.
He
remains the firm favorite to win the polls with backing from 47.1
percent of Ugandan voters, according to recent polls.
The
other four candidates are Kizza Besigye (Forum for Democratic),
Ssebaana Kizito (Democratic Party), Miria Obote (Uganda Peoples
Congress) and independent Dr Abed Bwanika.
Political
Representation
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Museveni
is seen the firm favorite to win the February polls.
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One
of the main demands of Ugandan Muslims is improving their political
status in the African country.
"Muslims
should be fairly represented in the new line-up and have their share
of high government posts as they are an integral part of the Ugandan
society," the statement said.
The
Muslim community also pressed for improving the social and economic
conditions in the country.
"This
also includes equipping hospitals in the Muslim-populated areas with
necessary medical equipments, medicines, physicians and nurses."
The
statement further called for allocating scholarships for orphaned
Ugandan Muslims as well as establishing trade and investment
adventures in the Muslim-populated areas to help create jobs for the
community members.
Museveni
has pledged to enact wide-ranging reforms if re-elected.
Congratulating
Ugandan Muslims on the occasion of `Eid Al-Adha, he hailed Muslim
efforts to maintain unity in the African country.
Muslim
Cause
Uganda's
Mufti Sheikh Shaban Mubajje had called on presidential candidates to
avoid playing the religion card to attract voters.
He
exhorted Muslims to shun candidates who only give empty promises.
"For
us we shall support a candidate who will come with a program to
support the Muslim cause."
Mubajje
urged the presidential racers to desist from using abusive language
and lies against their rivals.
"During
this crucial period of political transition, candidates should desist
from using abusive language. Let us not hear candidates attacking
others and some telling lies about others. We should be
peaceful."
A
Ugandan magistrate has summoned the wife of opposition leader Kizza
Besigye and a lawmaker to answer charges of libel and giving false
information that allegedly implicated Museveni in bribing court
officials.
Muslims
make up 12% of Uganda's population of 26 millions, according to the
country's latest census.
Sheikh
Mubajje has recently put the number at more than seven millions or 24%
of the population.
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