Mega Fm & Agency
The Deputy Mufti of Uganda in charge of the Eastern Muslim Region, Dr Ahamed Wandega, has urged examination authorities and schools to respect the religious rights of Muslim female candidates who wear Islamic veils, warning that forcing them to remove the garments during examinations could cause psychological distress.
Wandega made the remarks during a briefing for Senior Four candidates at University Link High School in Mbale, ahead of their Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) final examinations.
He said some schools had reportedly indicated that Muslim girls would not be allowed into examination rooms unless they removed their Islamic veils.
But, Wandega argued that schools and examination authorities should explore alternative security measures rather than compel female candidates to remove garments worn for religious reasons.
He noted 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 setting, could cause unnecessary psychological distress.
He maintained that wearing the veil was an expression of religious devotion that should be respected and said he would not support examination arrangements requiring Muslim girls to remove their veils.
