Muslim leaders have been urged to support the fight against homosexuality in Uganda by Speaker Anita Among.
The call was made by the Speaker on Friday, March 31, 2023, during the annual Iftar dinner that Parliament hosts for the Muslim community to commemorate the holy month of Ramadan.
In her message delivered by Hon. Abdu Katuntu (Indep., Bugweri County), the Speaker rallied the Muslim leadership to rise up against the vice that is threatening African values and cultures.
Before citing Holy Books that forbade the behaviour, she stated, “For the Sheikhs here, I ask you to join the fight against homosexuality that has become so widespread.”
“We know that the Koran, the Muslim faith’s holy book, forbids this conduct. The noble prophet Lot was tasked with bringing the message of Allah to the vile inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. Both the Bible and the Koran include specifics about this incident, the Speaker remarked.
The Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023, which calls for severe punishments for same-sex relationships, was unanimously approved by Parliament on March 21, 2023.
The President still needs to sign the bill.
The Speaker asked Muslims to visit and help the sick and in need during Ramadan in her message.
The 11th Parliament was praised by the chief speaker, Sirajeh Mukasa Katantazi, who is also the CEO of the Uganda Muslim Lawyers Association, for having the guts to approve the anti-gay legislation in spite of opposition from donors.
He urged the government to implement Article 129 (1) (d) of the Constitution, which calls for the creation of Qadhis courts to hear disputes involving marriage, divorce, property inheritance, and guardianship.
This is at the top of the Muslim community’s list of demands, along with others like the operationalization of Islamic banking.
“The government should complete the steps and procedures needed for our nation to have Islamic banking. We are aware of numerous colleagues who are unable to obtain financing through the current banking institutions…,” said the Chair of the Muslim Parliamentary Caucus, Hon. Echoing was Asuman Basalirwa.
He also urged the Speaker to provide a larger prayer room for Muslim lawmakers and staff members in the newly constructed parliament.
Several dignitaries, including ambassadors, ministers, lawmakers, and Muslim communities from all regions of the country, attended this second Iftar Dinner of the 11th Parliament.