A Diplomat from the Liaison Office of the Republic of Angola in Uganda, H.E. Alexandria Antonio Inacio has paid a courtesy call to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) spokesperson, Hajji Nsereko Mutumba in his office at the Muslim head offices in Kampala. Antonio visIted UMSC on December 20th, 2013.
The two leaders discussed matters regarding the state in Angola as well as interfaith dialogue. In his remarks, Haji Nsereko Mutumba told his visitor that Uganda and Angola enjoy a long history of cooperation and wondered why Angola does not have a full embassy in Uganda.
Commenting on the recent report of the banning of Islam in Angola, Hajji Mutumba informed his guest that as a member of interfaith institutions, UMSC was disturbed by the news. He said His Eminence the Mufti of Uganda was following up the reports in his capacity as the co-chair of the African Council of Religious Leaders (ACRL).
Mutumba also highlighted the importance of freedom of worship noting that in Uganda, there are no religious tensions because the government guaranteed freedom of worship and religious institutions are united under the Inter Religious Council of Uganda.
However, Alexandria refuted media reports that the Angolan government had banned Islam noting that such news did not correspond to the truth.
According to the diplomat, the Angolan authorities respect the country’s constitution and international law which respects Islam as well as other religious beliefs.
He explained that the Angolan government was only going against individuals who conduct illegal activities in unlicensed facilities which they claim are places of worship.
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