Gen. Abubakar Jeje Odong, the Minister for Internal Affairs has clarified on the issue of curfew extension for the Muslim fraternity during this month of Ramadan
The Minister who was appearing before Parliament yesterday, noted the AIGP Ochom’s statement on the extension of curfew hours for the Muslims during their night prayers known as “taraweeh” was a mischievous and therefore the Muslim Community had to continue to adhere to the standard operating procedures, (SOP’s) while observing their holy month of Ramadan
Ochom had earlier issued a statement to the; Regional Police Commanders (RPCs) and the District Police Commanders (DPCs) convening them not to disrupt Muslims at night time during the curfew hours.
According to the Afande, Muslims could easy find themselves engaged in night prayers even beyond curfew time of 9pm
However Minister said this was done in error and therefore the decision had been revoked immediately a thing that aligned with the cabinet decision on grounds that the AIGP Edward Ochom was not supposed to make that kind of pronunciation in the first place
He further noted that on Thursday well be addressing the police authority on issues of police officers that has used the curfew directive as a means to extract money from the citizens
Sighting that these had already been identified and action was going to be taken on them
In a set of new guidelines, Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga also noted that the night curfew had been maintained and will be adhered to by all, throughout the fasting period.
“To the Muslim community and entire public, nationwide curfew was being implemented to curb the spread of the Coronavirus disease, it will thereby be maintained through the Holy Month of Ramadan,” he said.
He however maintained ‘special consideration’ for all Muslims who will be caught up during the curfew time
Adding that, all the Territorial Commanders were aware of that special arrangement.
Before the commencing of Ramadan, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) through the A.G Director of Sharia, Sheikh Muhhamad Ali Waiswa, had also distanced its self from conducting such prayers at the National Mosque at the night and also urged the Muslim believers to follow suit as an initiative to cub down the spread of the Pandemic while adhering to the SOP’s
