Muhamad Matovu
The Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje has officially launched the Inter Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) pastoral letter on HIV/AIDS, Gender Based Violence (GBV), small size families and maternal health.
The ceremony took place at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council headquarters Old Kampala.
Mubajje said HIV is a public health threat and that many people including religious leaders have died of HIV/AIDS related illnesses.
He said: “We the muslim religious leaders would like to address the nation and restate our commitment to addressing the issues of HIV/AIDS, gender based violence, maternal mortality, ending teenage pregnancy and manageable families”.
He urged Muslims, Ugandans, the government, development partners and people of good will to work together and end AIDS
“It does affect all people regardless of religion, sex, age and economic status,” he said.
He said that teenage pregnancies are a result of failed parenting.
“These pregnant teenage girls face a higher risk of long-term consequences during pregnancy and childbirth, including high rates of maternal death and obstetric fistula” the mufti said.
He called upon all the young people to abstain from sex and focus on staying in school.
