Clerics ask faithful to intensity prayers against Covid-19

Senior clerics under their umbrella body, the Inter- religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) have urged their followers to intensity prayers as one of the ways to curb the widespread of Covid-19 pandemic, which is ravaging the country.

The clerics gave the advice during the 4th national prayer session for Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking during the prayers, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda decried the exorbitant cost of treating Covid-19 patients especially in private health facilities.

He said that even when the patients die, the health facilities charge the bereaved families high fees before they release the bodies for burial.

Mubaje informed the president and dignitaries present how he witnessed the sorry situation at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital when his mother and auntie contracted Covid-19 and they were turned away citing lack of beds to accommodate them.

"Your excellency, I had to camp at the hospital as I made desperate calls to Hon. Dr. Ruth Aceng, the minister of Health whose intervention secured the admission. The worst was to come later when we were told that Oxygen plant had broken down yet the patients were in need of oxygen," he said.

Mubaje also revealed how he noticed the low morale of medical workers who are overwhelmed with the numbers.

At the National Mosque, Sheikh Abdallah Ibrahim Ssemambo Tamusuza, the deputy Mufti called upon humanity regardless of their status to mend their ways with God. Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the 2nd deputy offered prayers for the nation.