Thousands Pray For Amin
THOUSANDS of Muslims yesterday jammed Kibuli Mosque for special prayers (duwa) for former president Idi Amin who died in a Saudi hospital on August 16.
By Yunusu Abbey and Mariam Nalunkuuma
THOUSANDS of Muslims yesterday jammed Kibuli Mosque for special prayers (duwa) for former president Idi Amin who died in a Saudi hospital on August 16.
Prince Kassim Nakibinge, Sheikh Twaib Mukuye, the deputy Mufti and Dr. Abbas Kiyimba, a Makerere University lecturer and other speakers, praised Amin.
Mukuye said the UMSC would write to the Saudi Arabian government and thank King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz and the ruling Al-Saud royal family for the hospitality accorded to Amin since 1979.
Mukuye said Amin had been enrolled as a member of the ruling Al-Saud family.
Mukuye’s revelation drew praises of Allah Akbar (God is Great) from the faithful, who comprised men in tunics and veiled women.
The congregation, including some MPs and a magistrate, Muhammad Kasakkya from Ntungamo, braved the scorching sun as they listened to sheikhs praise Amin.
Government officials stayed away as did the Mufti, Shaban Mubajje. Apart from Sheikh Abdu Obeid Kamulegeya who sent a message, all former UMSC leaders attended.
There was an emotion moment when Amin’s two daughters, Hajara and Aisha, who had sat in the women’s wing were introduced. They shed tears when Sheikh Nuhu Muzaata, the main organiser of the prayers, asked them to stand up.
The speakers said Amin should be remembered for the good things he did for Islam and Uganda instead of pointing out only his failures. Up to 500,000 Ugandans are said to have been killed during Amin’s regime.
Armed soldiers deployed at the hill for the past two months, searched vehicles and luggage.
There was slight commotion when a military helicopter overflew the mosque at about 11:30am while Muzaata was addressing the worshippers.
Shrewd traders took advantage of the day and sold black-and-white portraits of Amin at sh100. Yellow T-shirts with Amin’s portrait sold for sh5,000 each.
Amin’s son, Jaffar Amin, commonly known as Chombe, who works with DHL, amused the gathering with his impeccable English.
The towering Jaffar read the family message and another from his mother Sarah Amin who lives in London. The family thanked the Muslims for their sympathy.
Amin’s second-born, Hajji Ali Amin who lives in Njeru, near Jinja, in a deep voice, caused pro-longed laughter when he said in Luganda, “Empologoma Ezaala Mpologoma (A lion begets a lion). So we are here.â€
Ends
THOUSANDS of Muslims yesterday jammed Kibuli Mosque for special prayers (duwa) for former president Idi Amin who died in a Saudi hospital on August 16.
Prince Kassim Nakibinge, Sheikh Twaib Mukuye, the deputy Mufti and Dr. Abbas Kiyimba, a Makerere University lecturer and other speakers, praised Amin.
Mukuye said the UMSC would write to the Saudi Arabian government and thank King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz and the ruling Al-Saud royal family for the hospitality accorded to Amin since 1979.
Mukuye said Amin had been enrolled as a member of the ruling Al-Saud family.
Mukuye’s revelation drew praises of Allah Akbar (God is Great) from the faithful, who comprised men in tunics and veiled women.
The congregation, including some MPs and a magistrate, Muhammad Kasakkya from Ntungamo, braved the scorching sun as they listened to sheikhs praise Amin.
Government officials stayed away as did the Mufti, Shaban Mubajje. Apart from Sheikh Abdu Obeid Kamulegeya who sent a message, all former UMSC leaders attended.
There was an emotion moment when Amin’s two daughters, Hajara and Aisha, who had sat in the women’s wing were introduced. They shed tears when Sheikh Nuhu Muzaata, the main organiser of the prayers, asked them to stand up.
The speakers said Amin should be remembered for the good things he did for Islam and Uganda instead of pointing out only his failures. Up to 500,000 Ugandans are said to have been killed during Amin’s regime.
Armed soldiers deployed at the hill for the past two months, searched vehicles and luggage.
There was slight commotion when a military helicopter overflew the mosque at about 11:30am while Muzaata was addressing the worshippers.
Shrewd traders took advantage of the day and sold black-and-white portraits of Amin at sh100. Yellow T-shirts with Amin’s portrait sold for sh5,000 each.
Amin’s son, Jaffar Amin, commonly known as Chombe, who works with DHL, amused the gathering with his impeccable English.
The towering Jaffar read the family message and another from his mother Sarah Amin who lives in London. The family thanked the Muslims for their sympathy.
Amin’s second-born, Hajji Ali Amin who lives in Njeru, near Jinja, in a deep voice, caused pro-longed laughter when he said in Luganda, “Empologoma Ezaala Mpologoma (A lion begets a lion). So we are here.â€
Ends