UGANDA: U.S. MISSION APPROACH TO MUSLIM ENGAGEMENT

UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 03 KAMPALA 000806 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID ECON OEXC OSCI PREL SCUL SENV SOCI TNGD TSPL XF, XI, ZP, ZR, UG SUBJECT: UGANDA: U.S. MISSION APPROACH TO MUSLIM ENGAGEMENT *********************** * Missing Section 001 * *********************** KAMPALA 00000806 002.2 OF 003 engagement. One key contact emphasizes the need for research to clarify the attitudes of Ugandan Muslims. As he wrote in an email, "My sense is that there is more research needed in some key areas of Muslim life and attitudes on the global agenda like governance, human rights, war on terror, the environment." He suggests the Mission invest in research to avoid working on assumptions. Another contact agrees, advocating the need for surveys on new Islamic movements, Muslim NGOs, and Muslim attitudes towards the U.S. Mission personnel concur that such research would be a worthwhile and practical way to "get smart" about our audience so that subsequent programs and activities are better focused and more effective. ¶8. Several Muslim groups have approached the Mission for support, indicating their keenness to partner with us. Observing that his students "wrongly perceive the United States as a nation against Muslims and Islam in particular," one teacher made the simple request that PAS provide reading material on Muslims in America. Other requests, however, are less straight-forward. For example, the young, enthusiastic director of Muslim Youth Against Terrorist Activities (MYATA) submitted a proposal that was so wide-ranging, it was difficult to find distinct initiatives on which to collaborate. After consulting with Mission representatives, MYATA organized a symposium on Islam and Terrorism and is planning another. Such events offer concrete opportunities for Post to engage with the Muslim community on specific issues. To promote such collaboration, Muslim groups and Mission agencies alike would benefit from more information on funding resources (including non-USG donors) and feasible initiatives that would turn ideas into action. ¶9. Muslim contacts indicate particular interest in partnering on two types of projects (in addition to research): dialogue and capacity-building. The British Council in Kampala sponsors periodic Muslim dialogues which our Muslim contacts find very useful. They encourage Americans from the Mission to participate or develop a similar initiative. With capacity-building in mind, the Union of Muslim Councils approached the Ambassador with a proposal to train Imams in good governance, financial management and community development. UMSC's Coordinator for Children and Youth Affairs submitted a concept paper on civic education. As these examples indicate, many of Uganda's Muslim leaders already view the USG as a strong potential partner, but we need to figure out how to move forward together. ¶10. When discussing ways to enhance engagement with Uganda's Muslims, contacts note the importance of understanding the community's unique divisions. Specifically, Uganda currently has two rival muftis (Islamic authorities) instead of one. Ramadan Mubajje had been the sole mufti, but was accused of abusing his station by selling Muslim properties without consulting anyone. As a result, his detractors formed the Kibuli Sect and named a new leader, Kayongo Zubayiri, who claims to be Uganda's supreme mufti. Also at issue is the fact that the position of mufti historically has been linked to Bugandan royalty; Mubajje hails from Mbale in the east and is a Mugisu, while Zubayiri is Bugandan, which some see as giving him legitimacy. At the same time, Mubajje has academic and religious qualifications that his rival lacks, making him a more suitable leader according to some. Knowing the nuances of the local situation enables more productive engagement. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LEVERAGING EXISTING SUCCESS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶11. While avenues to explore remain, existing programs that expand Muslim engagement merit continuation. Before the change in administration, PAS hosted a Direct Video Conference (DVC) with Sada Cumber, Special Envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Participants enjoyed the event and suggested follow-on programs with other Muslim-American speakers. With this in mind, Post has discussed having the next envoy visit Uganda with the Office of International Organizations (IO). PEPFAR programs in the health sector offer another example of existing programs that already serve the Muslim community, and should be continued. ¶12. Mission agencies support and sponsor an array of activities which could include a Muslim component if they do not already. For instance, PAS will run the American Documentary Showcase in Kampala from August 24 - September 1, 2009. While not a Muslim-focused program per se, PAS is planning an event with an inter-faith audience to show a documentary that explores differences between a Muslim and a Hindu American. Similarly, PEPFAR plans to review its support of faith-based facilities to identify future opportunities. - - - - Comment - - - - ¶13. The U.S. Mission to Uganda has a strong network of Muslim contacts. To make them true partners, the Mission needs to continue the consultative process and identify concrete initiatives - and *********************** * Missing Section 003 * ***********************