The Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Anita Among, has asked Muslims in Jinja to pray for her and Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa, citing that both are being targeted by foreign actors for their role in passing the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
Among made the appeal during a meeting with Muslim and Pentecostal Church leaders at Bugembe Islamic Institute, where she also criticized National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, for verbally attacking Basalirwa during his campaign in Bugiri earlier this month.
“How can a presidential candidate go to Bugiri and start attacking Hon. Asuman Basalirwa just because he championed the Anti-Homosexuality Act? For us Muslims, we know homosexuality is haram,” she said.
Among said that both she and Basalirwa have faced international pressure and sanctions due to their role in the law’s passage. She recalled being sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom, but noted that many Muslim-majority countries, including the UAE, continue to welcome her because they do not support homosexuality.
During the visit, Among also handed over 40 million shillings to the Muslim community in Jinja, with 10 million allocated to the Jinja Muslim Women SACCO and 30 million for men’s groups.
Sheikh Kassim Balonde, Deputy Kadhi of Jinja Muslim District, asked the Speaker to assist Muslims in securing 10 acres of land promised by the government as compensation for land disputes with Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
“With the grace of Allah, we secured 10 acres in Budondo, but the owner is threatening to sell it because of delays in payment,” Balonde said.
He added that state officials had requested the community’s bank account details last month, but the funds have not yet been transferred.
Among encouraged Muslims to support President Yoweri Museveni and NRM flagbearers in the upcoming elections in the Busoga sub-region.
She emphasized that the NRM government values the Muslim community, contrary to claims of neglect.
“It is not true that the NRM government hates Muslims. The government loves you, and I will return to discuss all your challenges in detail,” she said.
Among also praised the cooperation between religious denominations in the region, highlighting the presence of Bishop Wandera from the Pentecostal Churches in Busoga.
“It is a very good gesture that different denominations work together,” she said.