No new constitution yet - UMSC

Kampala

The spokesperson of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), Hajj Nsereko Mutumba, has said the Council’s constitution cannot be amended.

Hajj Mutumba says the Muslim constitution is very clear and by the time it was drafted in early 1987, it was found easy to understand. This follows media reports that a new Muslim constitution had been amended by the General Assembly. President Museveni last year appointed a commission headed by Gender Minister Tarsis Kabwegere in a move to reconcile the warring Muslim factions.

Addressing Muslims at the Old Kampala Mosque during Juma prayers last week, the UMSC spokespersons Hajj Mutumba, said Article 23 of the UMSC constitution, stipulates that the “constitution may be amended at a general meeting of the Assembly by a resolution supported by the vote of at least two thirds”.

He blamed the reports on misinformation, ignorance and double standards. According to him, the perpetrators of lies are exploiting the ignorance of many citizens to promote their interests. He called for unity among Muslim leaders, saying the best way to achieve this was for the leaders to exercise self-respect.

He further called upon Muslims to educate their children so that that they can find jobs or start their own projects, instead of being idle. He stressed that every Muslim should strive to acquire adequate knowledge and skills to compete favourably with others.

snakirigya@ug.nationmedia.com