The Mufti of Uganda, Shaban Ramathan Mubajje, has expressed dissatisfaction with the newly appointed cabinet by Yoweri Museveni, saying Muslims were allocated very few positions, most of them of lower responsibility.
While presiding over Eid al-Adha prayers at Gaddafi National Mosque in Old Kampala, Mubajje said only a handful of Muslims had been considered in the new cabinet lineup.
“Yesterday, I saw the lineup of those appointed to the new government, but when I looked through the list, it was only after the 10th name that I started seeing a few Muslims. The whole list has very few Muslims,” he said.
Mubajje called for greater inclusion of Muslims in government positions.
“On behalf of the Muslims, I request the government to consider the sacrifice and support offered by Muslims because they supported the government. A small slice is not enough. We need more,” he added.
He, however, urged those appointed to government positions to work towards promoting unity among Muslims.
“To those who have been appointed to positions of responsibility, especially ministers, your effort should be focused on promoting the unity of Muslims, alongside implementing government programmes,” he said.
Mubajje also congratulated Muslims upon reaching Eid al-Adha and thanked those who successfully observed the fasting period before the celebrations.
However, he raised concern over the commercialization of pilgrimages to Mecca, commonly known as Hajj, saying some operators had turned the religious journey into a profit-making business that exploits pilgrims.
“Those leading the programme have turned religion into a business enterprise, exploiting Hajj pilgrims,” he said.
He added that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council had at one point attempted to intervene, but faced resistance from some of the operators involved.
Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, before Allah provided a ram in his place. During the celebrations, Muslims slaughter animals such as goats, sheep, and cows, and share the meat with family, neighbours, and the needy.
