President Museveni on Tuesday met with Muslim leaders at the State House Entebbe where they discussed integrating Sharia principles within the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The President met with leaders including the National Chairperson of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Prof. Muhammad Kisambira Lubega, head of Jumiat Dawa Al Salafiya at Nakasero Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga, Country Director of World Muslim League Sheikh Obed Kamulegeya, Sheikh Silman Kasule Ndirangwa among others.
President Museveni stated that he was welcome to proposals on how to how to merge the Sharia principles within the PDM because he was informed by the leaders that the PDM model on issuing loans contravenes the Islamic law.
“I was informed that the Parish Development Model (PDM) contravenes Islamic law, regarding the issue of loans offered with interest. I welcomed their proposals, which we shall study and see how to merge the Sharia principles within the PDM. Then we can have a separate budget and channel for the Muslims,” Museveni said.
The Muslim leaders had requested the president to initiate the Islamic Parish Development Model as a channel for Muslim citizens to borrow money because the current model that gives loans with interest prohibits them.
Sheikh Yunus Kamoga said its haram to borrow money and pay back with interest because interest is taken as ‘ riba’, or an unjust, exploitative gain.
“If we get a problem in our business, we share the losses collectively between the business owner and the SACCO members-operators but others like PDM, whether you have made profits or losses, you have to pay back with interest. That is where the problem is,” Sheikh Kamoga said.
The President explained that the PDM funds are meant to uplift citizens and not drain them further. The president proposed that the group draft a detailed approach to the scheme and return for another meeting in due course to study the concept .
“This PDM money we are putting in your SACCOs is a grant from the government and not a loan and it is your money. The riba I also don’t like is where one wants to get rich using the money of the poor. This money is yours and the challenge is how to keep it not to lose value. Write to me about it and after understanding it I will also educate these other Ugandans,” Museveni replied.
Prof. Muhammed Kisambira hailed the President Museveni for facilitating the election of Muslim leaders countrywide. He explained that this has encouraged unity as about seven million Muslims voted from the total of 14,900 mosques countrywide under the 78 Muslim districts.
“This was a sign of unity, and we thank you Mr. President for supporting this cause,” Prof. Kisambira said, adding that a constitutional review commission was also instituted to streamline the Muslim constitution.
Adding that “Our gospel now is that every mosque must have an income generating project. Each mosque has at least 4 acres of land which is idle.”
President Museveni pledged to support their goat rearing projects aimed at increasing meat production.
Sheikh Silman Kasule Ndirangwa appreciated the president for signing the law against Homosexuality saying it has raised Uganda’s flag high as far as respecting cultures and good morals are concerned.
The Muslim leaders also agreed with the president to set up at least four regional Muslim theological schools and income generating ventures on land owned by Muslim in cities and municipalities.