By Aaron Okotel
MBALE CITY
The Deputy Mufti of Uganda in charge of Eastern Muslim Region, Dr Ahamed Wandega, has urged examination authorities and schools to respect the religious rights of Muslim female candidates who wear veils, warning that forcing them to remove their veils during examinations could cause psychological trauma.
Dr Wandega made the remarks on Thursday at University Link High School in Mbale City during the briefing for Senior Four candidates ahead of their final examinations, UNEB.
He said he had received reports that some schools may prevent Muslim girls wearing Islamic veils from accessing examination rooms unless they remove them, a practice he strongly opposed.
“Islam must be respected. They can find many other means of enhancing security other than traumatizing these female students to undress their veils,” Dr Wandega said.
He argued that many Muslim girls grow up wearing the veil as part of their religious practice and that forcing them to remove it, particularly in an examination environment, could subject them to unnecessary distress.
“This is abuse of rights to religion. This is part of the Muslim community’s worship,” he said, adding that he would not support examination arrangements that require Muslim girls to remove their veils.
Dr Wandega urged candidates to pray for success and remain focused as they prepare to sit their final examinations.
At University Link High School, the Director of Studies, Mr Nakuka Fazal, said the school has registered 261 Senior Four candidates this year, compared to 252 candidates last year.
Nakuka said the school recorded good performance in the previous examinations and expects even better results this year because of the preparation given to the candidates.
The candidates also expressed confidence ahead of the examinations.
Baluka Precious Glory, a candidate, said teachers had given them sufficient encouragement and preparation through lessons, revision, remedial classes and preps.
She pledged to give her best in the examinations and work toward making her teachers, parents and school proud.
Another candidate, Mutonyi Rehema, said she was excited to conclude her O-Level education after several years of study.
She expressed confidence in the preparation provided by her teachers and promised to make them proud.
