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.
Wandega also encouraged the candidates to pray for success and remain focused as they prepared for their final examinations.
The Director of Studies at University Link High School, Nakuka Fazal, said the school had registered 261 Senior Four candidates this year, up from 252 last year. He said the school expected better results this year because teachers had adequately prepared the candidates, building on the good performance recorded in previous examinations.
The candidates expressed confidence ahead of their final examinations, saying their teachers had prepared them through lessons, revision exercises, remedial classes and private study sessions.
Baluka Precious Glory said the preparation had equipped them with the knowledge and skills needed to sit the examinations. She pledged to work hard and achieve good results to make her teachers, parents and school proud.
Mutonyi Rehema said she was excited about completing her Ordinary Level education after several years of study. She expressed confidence in the preparation she had received from her teachers and pledged to do her best in the examinations-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
