MIDWEEK OPINION: Police Must Act And Crack Down On Religious Fanatics

Jan 21, 2003

OVER the past few weeks, there have been press reports indicating a steady build up of tension between religious groups in various parts of the country.

OVER the past few weeks, there have been press reports indicating a steady build up of tension between religious groups in various parts of the country. The tension is mainly due to the row pitting a section of the Muslim community against some Christians, particularly the Balokole (born-again Christians).
Press reports over the weekend said that a group of Tabliq Muslims had beaten up a Mulokole at Bwaise, a Kampala City suburb, after he stepped on the Quran in the midst of a bitter religious dispute. Other reports say Police in Jinja beefed up security after the Tabliq threatened to attack Balokole at a crusade.
The row has extended to the slaughter of animals. Muslims have hitherto exercised monopoly over slaughter of animals for public consumption. Now some Christians are demanding for right to slaughter animals for public consumption.
This development signals religious extremism. And religious extremism, whether Christian or Islamic, is dangerous. While on the face of it, the slaughter of animals is what is at issue now, soon or later this religious conflict will extend to other spheres of life, notably politics and probably schools.
Uganda has suffered before from violent religious conflicts. The religious wars in Buganda in the 1800s ultimately shaped Uganda’s subsequent dark history. A number of other countries have also had problems related to religious conflicts. In Nigeria, it has resulted into death. It is therefore a serious mistake for anyone today to fuel religious discord.
It however amazes me that the Police appear overzealous to deal with harmless, pantyless girls and multiparty agitators than with religious extremists. Yet there are specific criminal laws to take care of religious fanatics. The Penal Code expressly provides for offences relating to religion, which are considered “ injurious” to the public order. Under section 116 of the Penal Code it is an offence for any person to write or utter any word, make any sound or gesture, place any object in the sight of any other person, “with deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of (that) person.” Such a person is liable to imprisonment for one year.” The Constitution guarantees every person the freedom of worship. This freedom does not grant liberty to any person to blaspheme other religions. The person who stepped on a Quran not only abused freedom of worship, but also committed a criminal offence. Police must crackdown on religious extremists to save the country from catastrophe and political animosity. Ends


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