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His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda has called for vigilance among Halaal Officers in the lower Uganda Muslim Supreme Council-UMSC structures as they execute their duties regarding the slaughter of animals and birds for human consumption in accordance with the Islamic laws. The Mufti’s directive was delivered by Sheikh Abdul-Karim Abdallah Katamba, the head of Halaal Department at the UMSC Headquarters during a nationwide orientation program for all District Kadhis and their Halaal Incharge officers.
The Halaal orientation program commenced in the Eastern Muslim Region covering Tororo, Budaka. Butaleja and Busia Muslim Districts in Tororo municipality on July 20th, 2023. The participants included among others Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Hamid Wandega, the Eastern Regional Assistant to the Mufti, Sheikh Ibrahim Yusuf Raganyi Asante, the host Kadhi, Sheikh Muzamir Hassan Kidandaile, the Kadhi Bud-aka, Sheikh Jamiru Juma Obandyo, the Kadhi Busia and Sheikh Swaib Mukama Kiyeba, the Kadhi Butaleja.In his presentation, Sheikh Katamba noted among other pressing issues are the rampant theft of animals, slaughter of imature animals, transportation and selling of carcasses of dead animals and birds, which expose their consumers to health risks.
The meeting discussed among others field activities, the slaughter of animals, laws, licensing, networking with authorities, transportation of meat across districts, hygiene in slaughter houses and the abuse of the UMSC Halaal logo.
They also discussed coordination with international charities that conduct animal slaughter Eid Adhuha festivals. The meeting made several resolutions for the enforcement of Halaal standards for meat and birds sold for public consumption in close collaboration with government authorities such as Chief Administrative Officers, Town Clerks, District and City Health Officers and Resident District Commissioners-RDCs among others.
The participants noted the need to provide District Halaal Sheikhs with transport means such as motorcycles to ease the inspection of slaughter houses, and markets. They also discussed the need for proper management and accountability for slaughter fees through operating sperate Bank accounts, called upon leadership to sign an MOU with Muslim based international charities that offer qurban during Eid Adhuha festivals,  and adherence to the Halaal policy.
The participants later interfaced with a three member team comprising Asuman Mukwange, a local Councillor, Hussein Juma Walisalawo, a teacher, and Nassur Magola, a religious teacher.
The trio had on behalf of the congregants of Jamia Mosque in the Merikiti Town Council, Tororo District petitioned the Mufti’s Office accusing the Tororo Muslim District Halaal Sheikh of incompetence when he allowed non Muslims to take charge of animal slaughter in the markets near their mosque in total violation of the Islamic norms.
The complaints were given ample time to raise their concerns before the members and later Tororo Halaal Officer was allowed to give his side of the story.
The members later agreed to a request from Sheikh Ibrahim Yusuf Raganyi Asante, the Tororo Kadhi for two weeks to sort out the matter.
They also advised the complainants never to use the media blast and insult non Muslims for fear of breeding conflicts and tension in the community.