By Waswa Tenywa
His Eminence the Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje has condemned in the strongest possible terms the recent multiple missile attacks launched by Yemen’s Al Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia, saying they undermine the ongoing efforts by the international community to bring peace in the region.
His Eminence the Mufti said this yesterday during a courtesy call to the Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Uganda His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Fahd Alkahtani at the Embassy of the Royal Kingdom in Kampala.
The Mufti’s condemnation was also contained in a letter of solidarity addressed to King Salman Bin Abdulaziz of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The letter was received by Ambassador Alkahtani who promised to have it delivered to the King.
In the letter, the Mufti urged all armed groups to respect the Islamic Holy sites in Saudi Arabia and end all acts of aggression towards the Royal Kingdom.
He instead called for dialogue among all the warring parties.
On receiving the letter, Ambassador Alkahtani commended the Mufti for showing solidarity with King Salman and the people of Saudi Arabia.
The Ambassador said that the military operations by the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are defensive, not aggressive as reported by some news agencies.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment and efforts towards peace in the Middle East in particular and the world at large.
He informed the Mufti that Saudi Arabia has also embarked on a special program aimed at supporting the large Muslim population in Africa.
“The kingdom has created a Ministry of State in charge of African Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs” Ambassador Alkahtani said adding that a similar portfolio has been created in the Office of King.
Speaking specifically about Uganda, the Ambassador said the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expanded its programs in Uganda under which it will be constructing Muslim centers with each comprising of a Mosque, school, health centers and recreation facilities.
He said the Kingdom is already constructing two such centers in Jinja worth US$23 million.
Ambassador Alkahtani assured the Mufti that the embassy has renewed its relations with Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). This he said will lead to stronger cooperation especially in the areas of education, health and socio economic services.
Ambassador Alkahtani’s Deputy H.E Rakan Musa A Albrikeit was present.
In his remarks, H.E the Mufti lauded Ambassador Alkahtani for being receptive and supportive to UMSC in particular and Uganda Muslims in general.
He pledged UMSC’s full cooperation with the Embassy of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia especially when it comes to development, Daawa, education and health programs which Muslims countrywide need, to fight poverty, ignorance, diseases and disunity.
The Mufti was accompanied by UMSC H.E the 2nd Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Hon Secretary General Haji Ramathan Mugalu, the Secretary for Women and Youth Shkt. Radhiya Namakula and the UMSC Spokesperson Haji Nsereko Mutumba.
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