The ongoing International Muslim Youth conference at Pearl of Africa Hotel in Kampala has been dominated by deradicalization of the youths’ debate.
Delegates from over 27 African countries and across the globe are attending a two-day conference organized under the theme “Role of Muslim youths in the Africa of tomorrow; The dark arms in Building Africa of tomorrow.
The Conference organized by Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and the International Muslim Communities Congress is intended to raise awareness on the role of youths in the development of the continent and shade light on the needs and opportunities of youths.At the conference on Friday, the aspect of deradicalisation of youths was raised by all presenters at the event.
The Mufti of Uganda also Chairperson of the African Forum for Muslim Councils Sheikh Shaban Mubaje emphasized the need for Muslims to cooperate, unite and reconcile and avoid radical thinking and actions that undermine the values of humanity, peace and reconciliation.
He reiterated the need for deradicalization and applauded Muslims faction leaders who in the past expressed radical modes of operation.
Among the people he recognized, those that had dropped radical methods of operation and sought peace was Amiir Daula and Sulaiman Kakeeto.
Mufti Mubaje also lauded other religious faiths in Uganda for the co-existence they have expressed. He says, the historical injustices that led to the martyrdom of several faithful both Muslims and non-Muslims as remembered on Martyrs Day provided a great lesson to the faithful, strengthened them in faith and motivated them to work together.
He adds that Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), which he heads, has contributed enormously to the peace, reconciliation and co-existence of people of different faiths.
He praised the government for the freedom of worship and mutual respect evidenced among members of different faiths. He says Uganda forms a model to the rest of other countries battling with radicalisation and intolerance to members of different faiths.
Dr Mohammed El-Bechar, the Vice President of the International Muslim Communities Congress (IMCC) called upon Muslims to embrace co-existence, mutual respect and Peace. He identified the need to develop a clear strategy that advances the fight of radicalisation among youths.
Dr Yusuf Abindar, from the Sheikh Zaid Grand Mosque in the UAE reiterated the need for messages of peace, peace treaties, enabling humanity, co-existence, and reconciliation and realize mutual respect, cooperation and friendship.
The Prime Minister of Uganda Ruhakana Rugunda, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, hailed the conveners for furthering the discussion of deradicalisation of youths. He noted that Youths need to be involved in the peace process and such a conference provides a good avenue for such issues to be discussed and solutions identified.
Representing the youths, Muhsin Nuwagaba Kaduyu, the Director of Allied Muslim Youth Network attributed redundancy that pushes some youths into radicalisation. For comments, call or text us on 0752510225.
