By Bogere Stuart

KIU, Main Campus - On 22nd April 2020, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council warned Muslims slated to start fasting this Ramadan against congregating in order to avoid the spread of Coronavirus.

The Government last month banned all gatherings of more than five people, including prayers across the country as one of the measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While addressing the press at Old Kampala Mosque yesterday, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubajje, said there are some do’s and don’ts that the Muslim community must observe during the fasting period to comply with the COVID-19 guidelines.

“Our Ramadan is not going to be business as usual due to this pandemic. You all know the measures that have been put in place by both President Museveni and the Ministry of Health. I, thus, urge you to observe all those measures while fasting, most especially the social distancing measure,” Sheikh Mubajje said.

Before the pandemic, Muslims usually converge at different mosques every evening after breaking the fast and eat together. 

He also said there will be no Taraweeh prayers, where Muslims would converge at different mosques after breaking the fast to pray.

Meanwhile, the cleric said the Taraweeh prayers can be conducted from home between two and 10 people, but they should observe social distancing. He also asked the government to help poor Muslims who are going to fast with food relief. 

The mufti further asked the government to allow all individuals who would wish to give a hand to Muslim communities to donate directly to them and allow those who want to deliver packages to them to do so freely.

Currently, the government alone has the mandate to distribute food relief to struggling Ugandans.