The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU ) – Main Campus in Mbale has resorted to offering Friday (Juma) prayers online to prevent the deadly Coronavirus (COVID 19).
This is in response to Government’s ban on public, religious and political gatherings and closure of schools among others for 32 days to see off the Coronavirus.
The IUIU Vice Rector (Finance and Administration) Professor Abdul K Mpata says the institution has opted to abide to the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s directive by offering Friday prayers online.
“The Daawah Board Secretary has arranged to have Friday Juma Sermons conducted online and the University Community is therefore encouraged to always tune in as soon as it is time for such a prayer,”
“The Dean -Faculty of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language will provide details on the contact addresses,” says Professor Mpata.
Normally, Muslims are supposed to gather in a mosque every Friday to perform Juma prayers.
The prayer involves the Sheikh (Muslim leader) delivering sermon to the gathering. The remedy will see Muslims making their supplications while in their apartments.
On the university closure, Professor Mpata says International students are free to stay at the campus as long as they are ready to follow rules.
“International students who would wish to travel to their respective countries, you are free to do so, for those who would wish to stay at the campus you have to register with the Students Coordinator’s office. However, be ready to stay within the campus and observe the university regulations accordingly,” he says.
The Vice Rector urges students to be at the forefront of ensitizing and educating the locals on the relevant preventative measure of the deadly disease in their respective communities.
“You should be the people to explain the vaguely to your parents. Many of them hear about this Pandemic but they are not aware of the preventative procedures, so go and educate them during this short period,” Professor Mpata says .
