The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Mario Obiga Kania stated that there is no need to lift curfew during the time Muslims observe the Ramadan period since by 9pm all prayers shall be done. Ramadan kicks off in a few days.
Obiga Kania said this on Thursday evening while answering to Parliament on a matter raised by Kawempe North MP Abdulatiff Sebagaala Sengendo said that Government should relax curfew to allow Muslims observe the Ramadan period. The Ramadan period will run April 13th to May 12th and in this, Muslims will be praying, fasting, and reflecting as a community.
MP Sengendo says that as part of Ramadan, Muslims will move for prayers, congregations and break their fast and they should not be limited by curfew time of 9:00pm.
However, Obiga Kania told Parliament that upon consultation with senior Muslim leaders they found out that by the curfew time, that is 9:00pm most of the activities will be done. He however says that although they will be flexible depending on the situation on ground, it is advisable for the Muslims to stick to the time.
When tasked by Parliament on why curfew has remained and yet it is affecting Ugandans, Obiga Kania said that it is only the President who will make a pronouncement on curfew when advised by the National Task Force on COVID-19.
The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga demanded that since cabinet sits on Monday, Government should come back with a detailed statement on curfew on Tuesday, and a plan towards relaxing it.
