Muslim leaders in Kabale District have made a strong appeal to Ugandans to stop linking Islam with terrorism, stating unequivocally that Islam is a religion of peace and that associating it with acts of violence is both misleading and harmful.
The remarks were delivered during Eid al-Adha prayers held at Al-Madina Stadium in Kabale Municipality, where hundreds of faithful gathered to mark the Islamic festival.
Speaking at the prayer gathering, Sheikh Kabu Lule, the Kabale District Kadhi, condemned the widespread perception in Uganda that links Muslims to terrorism. He emphasised that such associations are unfounded and contrary to the teachings of Islam.
“Islam has no room for terrorism. There is no doctrine within our faith that supports or encourages violence,” said Sheikh Lule. “Terrorism is not Islam, and Islam is not terrorism.”
The Kadhi expressed concern that many terrorism-related incidents in Uganda are often prematurely attributed to Muslims, leading to the unjust profiling, arrest, and marginalisation of innocent individuals.
He stressed that while individuals who break the law must face justice, the broader Muslim community should not be collectively blamed or stigmatised.
“We are peaceful people. Yet, whenever something goes wrong, the label ‘terrorist’ is casually thrown at Muslims,” he said. “We urge government agencies, especially security organs, to treat wrongdoers as individuals, not representatives of an entire faith.”
Sheikh Kasiimu Kamugisha, a senior member of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, echoed the call for justice and fairness. He warned that the continued conflation of Islam with terrorism is not only unjust but also a barrier to national unity and development.
“Muslims have faced discrimination due to being wrongly associated with terrorism,” he explained. “This has affected our ability to fully participate in the country’s development. It’s time we allowed Muslims to express themselves freely, without fear of prejudice.”
Kamugisha also advised Muslim youths to remain vigilant against recruitment into extremist ideologies, noting the importance of defending the integrity of their religion.
Meanwhile, Hajji Issa Tindyebwa, Chairperson of the Kabale Muslim District Council, turned his attention to the issue of corruption, calling for stronger punitive measures against those found guilty of embezzling public resources.
“Corruption has robbed communities of opportunities for growth,” Tindyebwa said. “Public offices are often sold to the highest bidder rather than given to qualified individuals. This system undermines effective leadership.”
He warned that unless corruption and nepotism are addressed, Ugandans would continue to suffer under poor leadership and limited public services.
Kabale Woman MP Catherine Ndamira, who also attended the Eid prayers, echoed the call to tackle corruption, urging Ugandans to report cases of bribery, embezzlement, and misuse of public funds.
“Corruption thrives in silence and complicity,” she said. “Let this Eid be a time of reflection and recommitment to building a more just and transparent Uganda. We must stand together and reject selfishness and greed, which are fuelling corruption.”
The collective message delivered during the Eid al-Adha celebrations was one of unity, peace, and accountability. Religious leaders and political figures alike called for an end to harmful stereotypes, equitable treatment of all citizens, and a stronger, united front against corruption.
The leaders concluded by urging Ugandans—regardless of faith—to embrace mutual respect and understanding, fostering a society where diversity is valued and peace prevails.
