WOMEN rights activists have pledged to support Muslim leaders to ensure that the rights of Muslim women are not violated.
The activists, led by the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), met the leaders of the Khadi Courts on Wednesday to discuss women’s rights in the administration of the Muslim Personal Law.
After the rejection of the Domestic Relations Bill in 2005 by the Muslim community, the Uganda Law Reform Commission issued two Bills; one for the Muslims and the other for non-Muslims.
Under the Bill for Muslims, Khadi Courts are established to deal with marriage, divorce, guardianship and inheritance of property.
“Our intention is not to confront the Muslims or to change the Sharia law. We are here to find ways of working together to address the issue of women exploitation and domestic violence. We want to ensure that the women fully understand their rights,” said Allen Assiimwe, FIDA’s chairperson.
Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, an administrator at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, said: “The Muslim community had displeasure with some sections of the original Bill which were not in conformity with Islamic beliefs.
A committee of 26 members was established to come up with a Muslim-friendly legislation.
We have submitted our third draft to the Uganda Law Reform Commission.”
