Muslim leaders in Busoga have strongly criticised the ongoing crackdown on vendors and kiosk operators in urban centers, warning that the enforcement is harming livelihoods, particularly for low-income earners.
The concerns were raised during Eid al-Fitr prayers at Mvule Crescent Muslim Grounds in Jinja, where hundreds of faithful gathered to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking at the prayers, the Assistant Mufti in charge of the Busoga sub-region, Sheikh Muhammad Bowa, said the operations targeting small-scale traders have been poorly managed, with little consideration for the welfare of those affected.
He emphasized that many vendors rely entirely on their small businesses to survive and should be given adequate notice and alternative options before evictions are enforced.
“The way government has handled the entire situation is not good, they ought to do better,” Sheikh Bowa said.
The Eid prayers were led by Sheikh Muhammad Muhudin, the Imam of Masjid Jamia, as the Muslim community came together in celebration, prayer, and reflection.
During the sermon, Sheikh Faishal Naminya, Imam of Masjid Faishal, expressed concern over rising criminality in the country.
He called on the government to adopt stronger legal measures to restore law and order.
“In recent past we have witnessed a lot of criminality of different kinds. If government can evoke the Sharia, everything shall be curbed. Even in the banking sector, we need the Islamic banking system to curb ribba (charging interest),” Naminya said.
He urged citizens to uphold moral values and work collectively with authorities to curb crime in their communities.
Sheikh Bowa also called for prayers for people affected by ongoing conflicts in the Gulf region. He condemned foreign military interventions and stressed the importance of peace and stability.
“It was not good for America to invade Iran, hence leading to an ongoing war in the Gulf region. Imagine they did it just because they’re superior, they want to show they are superpowers,” he said.
The Eid gathering was marked by messages of unity, compassion, and social justice, with religious leaders urging both government and citizens to act responsibly in addressing economic and security challenges facing the country.
