Yumbe inter-faith leaders call for peace after violent clashes over pork comments
Apangu appealed for forgiveness amongst those offended and affected by this week's clashes. He warned against revenge.
Consumption of pork and pork-based products is forbidden in Islam. (File photo)
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The inter-religious council in Uganda's northern district of Yumbe has called for calm following violent clashes triggered by comments made by a religious leader on the sale of pork.
The confrontations that began on Tuesday this week involving residents and security operatives spiralled into a conflict with religious overtones.
Nine people were injured and valuables destroyed as a result.
It all began when information went around that security operatives were planning to arrest a prominent religious leader in the area, Sheikh Kassim Abdallah.
This was after a video had gone viral appearing to show Abdallah preaching against the sale of pork in the district, sparking mixed reactions. His message seemed to have angered, especially pork sellers and consumers.
Yumbe is a predominantly Muslim district, with over 70% of the 945,100-strong population identifying as Muslim, according to the 2024 national census report.
Consumption of pork and pork-based products is forbidden in Islam.
Although relative calm has since returned in Yumbe town, there is a palpable sense of fear among the residents over the fragile nature of conflict in the area.
Speaking during an emergency joint security meeting on Thursday, inter-faith leaders in the district called for a cessation of hostilities.
He appealed for forgiveness amongst those offended and affected by this week's clashes. He warned against revenge.
Rev. Joel Aluma, the Archdeacon of Aringa Archdeaconry, said Muslims and Christians have coexisted for many years and that that harmony collapsing in a day is uncalled for.
Sheikh Swaib Allahai Achiga, the district khadi of Yumbe, said there is no need for continuous fighting in the district. He urged the Muslim community to remain calm since the authorities have intervened in the touchy matter.
Hajji Sulaiman Lubwama Bukya, the resident district commissioner of Yumbe, said Thursday's meeting resolved many issues, including continuous police patrols in the town to maintain the restored calm.
The meeting also resolved that Sheikh Abdallah, who preached against the sale of pork, should not be arrested.