Religious leaders issue special messages for weekend prayers

POLITICS   2021 ELECTIONS

KAMPALA - The Inter-religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has issued messages to the various religious groups to be included in prayers dedicated to the restoration of peace and harmony amidst election violence in the country.

The Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, who is the chairperson of IRCU and head of the Council of Presidents on Thursday during a press conference at their offices in Mengo said they had declared the weekend, starting Friday through Saturday and Sunday to be days for national prayers for peace in the country.

He said all mainstream faith groups, starting with Friday (Juma Prayers), Saturday for the Seventh Day Adventists and other Christians on Sunday, they had dedicated special prayers asking God to reign amidst fears of election violence.

Joshua Kitakule, the IRCU Secretary-General later issued a statement spelling out the special messages the IRCU dedicated for all religious groups, which wish peaceful elections in Uganda.

The theme of the weekend messages is, ‘working for a peaceful and inclusive electoral environment'.

The messages are extracted from both the Holy Koran and the Holy Bible.

According to the statement, the first message is extracted from Surat 5:8 Al Maidah, which states: "All you who have believed be persistently standing for Allah, witnesses in justice and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah, indeed Allah is acquainted with what you do".

The Christians quoted Isaiah 1:17, which says, "Learn to do right. Seek justice, encourage the oppressed."