Islamic scholar and da’wah activist Sheikh Burhan Kiti has publicly apologized after sparking outrage over remarks he made about the Uganda Martyrs that they worship idols.
While speaking at a recent public gathering, Sheikh Kiti criticized Christians who make annual pilgrimages to Namugongo to honor the martyrs, describing the tradition as misguided. His comments quickly spread online, attracting widespread backlash from Christian believers and members of the public.
Some critics even went as far as asking him to return the vehicle he received from a social media fundraiser spearheaded by singer King Saha.
In response to the growing criticism, Sheikh Kiti recorded a video apologizing for his earlier statement, clarifying that he did not intend to disrespect Christians or their religious practices.
“I am apologizing for the comments I made earlier. I didn’t intend to demean people or other religions. I have friends who are Christians and Catholics. I intended to advise, not to demean anyone,” he said in part.
The scholar, who is also known for his political activism and outspoken criticism of government injustices, maintained that his intentions were misunderstood.