Muslims demand ministry for Islamic affairs
President Museveni hands a dummy cheque of Shs3m to Ms Hasfa Netuunze towards the building of her house during the launch of the distribution of Zakat at Hotel Africana, Kampala on Monday. Looking on is Sheikh Obed Kamulegeya, ministers Janat Mukwaya (Gender) and Abdu Nadduli (without portfolio). PHOTO BY RACHEL MABALA
KAMPALA.
President Museveni on Monday declined to comment on the demand by Muslim leaders to create a ministry for Islamic affairs.
At the launch of the distribution of Zakat (alms) by the House of Zakat in Kampala on Monday, Muslim leaders told President Museveni that government should give them a ministry to manage their wealth.
“It is high time the 10 million Muslims in Uganda got a ministry to address their problems,” the Kampala District Khadi, Sheikh Edrisa Luswabi, said.
However, despite several calls for Muslims’ emancipation, in his address, the President steered clear of the request.
Hajj Magid Bagalaaliwo, the chairman Board of Trustees House of Zakat, also complained to Mr Museveni that there were still very few Muslims appointed to top government positions, especially in Cabinet.
“And even the few [Muslims] in top positions are mostly State ministers. We request that they also be made Cabinet ministers,” he said.
In his speech, President Museveni commended Muslims for proper administration of their obligatory dues (Zakat) through the establishment of the House of Zakat, saying the move was “developmental”.
“It is also a just system given that the rates vary with one’s income,” Mr Museveni said before making his contribution of Shs400m towards the project.
Commenting on the President’s silence on their request for a ministry, Hajj Muhammad Nyanzi, the general manager House of Zakat, said they were not bothered by his reaction.
“We left it for him to consider what to do,” Hajj Nyanzi told Daily Monitor in a subsequent phone interview.
At the event, a total of Shs500m from the this year’s alms collections was distributed among the various categories of Muslims, including the elderly and long-serving Sheikhs.
ABOUT HOUSE OF ZAKAT
Established in 2014, House of Zakati is a non-profit NGO that distributes Zakat collections to orphans, the poor and the underprivileged.
As the third pillar of Islam, Hajj Muhammad Nyanzi, the general manager House of Zakat, asked those Muslims who have reached the minimum threshold to pay the 2.5 per cent of their profits and wealth in Zakat as required by Islam.
