The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubajje, has expressed dissatisfaction with President Yoweri Museveni’s newly appointed Cabinet, saying Muslims were allocated very few positions, most of them of lower responsibility.

While presiding over Eid al-Adha prayers at Gaddafi National Mosque in Old Kampala on Wednesday, the Mufti said only a handful of Muslims featured in the new government lineup.

“Yesterday, I saw the lineup of those appointed to the new government, but when I looked through the list, it was only after the 10th name that I started seeing a few Muslims. The whole list has very few Muslims,” Mubajje said.

He called for greater inclusion of Muslims in government, citing their support to the ruling party.

“On behalf of the Muslims, I request the government to consider the sacrifice and support offered by Muslims because they supported the government. A small slice is not enough. We need more,” he added.

The Mufti urged those appointed to use their positions to promote unity among Muslims while implementing government programmes.

He also criticised the commercialization of the Hajj pilgrimage, saying some operators had turned the religious journey into a profit-making venture that exploits pilgrims.

“Those leading the programme have turned religion into a business enterprise, exploiting Hajj pilgrims,” Mubajje said.

Eid al-Adha, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, was celebrated across Uganda on Wednesday with the slaughter of animals and sharing of meat with the needy.