By Watera Atai,
NATIONAL
Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al Adhuha on Sunday (June 16), and the event according to Haroona Musanje, the Justice Forum (JEEMA) Youth leader will be overshadowed by the memories of worsening crisis in Kasese after a year of indiscriminate killing of innocent students of Lubhiriha Secondary School in June last year, a misery whose “bleeding wound remains on the conscience of humanity.”
According to Musanje, indiscriminate killing of innocent people is contrary to teachings of Prophet Muhammad and asked Muslims in Uganda and world over to use the day to use this day to honor the innocent people of Kasese who lost their lives in the ADF attack and to teach against violence.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.” In honoring the memory of the Kasese victims, we call upon all individuals to embody this teaching by actively opposing violence, extending compassion to the vulnerable, and fostering harmony within our communities,” he said.
In 16 June last year, Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked and killed 38 students of Lubhiriha SS in Mpondwe Kasese on the border with DRC, the worst in many years of any group. Musanje says this heinous act of violence has left an indelible mark on the Kasese community and nation.
He says the greatest honour muslims could do the Prophet Muhammad on this year’s Eid al Adha is to follow his shining examples of non-violence, peaceful disposition and remarkable virtues of patience, and emphasized for a collective commitment to promote peace and prevent such tragedies in the future.
“In the spirit of Eid al-Adha, which underscores the importance of sacrifice, compassion, and ethical conduct, we emphasize that the only blood to be shed during this holy period is that of animals, sacrificed humanely to provide for those in need. We strongly condemn any acts of violence and urge everyone to foster a society grounded in peace, respect, and kindness,” he explained.
He wished muslims a Eid al Adha Mubarak saying; “As we celebrate Eid al-Adha, let us renew our dedication to these values and work towards a world where peace and justice prevail. May this day inspire us to uphold the principles of ethical conduct and compassion in all our actions.”
Violent extremism is the single biggest challenge facing the country and there are many criminal gangs rising up in different parts of the country. This requires people of goodwill to start advocating for a peaceful community.
