Politics of Muslim minority in Uganda and Burundi
Politics of Muslim minority in Uganda and Burundi

Summary/Abstract: There are Muslim minorities in Burundi and Uganda that are influenced by their Christian co-citizens rather than other Islamic states. They live their Islamic faith with the feeling of being marginalised by the rest of society. They have ambitions to play more active role in politics. While looking for their Islamic identity, they struggle with the negative perception of the origins of their faith linked to the Arab slave trade, with the feeling of alienation by Christian majority, the lack of education, and the weakness of their leadership. Muslim approach to the past tries to defend the achievements of Kiswahili culture and absolve the shameful parts of history, e.g. slavery or Idi Amin’s dictatorship. They show great creativity in commerce and are able to create a strong sense of community. Muslim presence in Burundi and Uganda can be seen through some geographical sites and monuments which symbolise political aspirations of the Muslims. Kibuli and Old Kampala, the hills of the Ugandan capital, with their imposing mosques testify to the vitality of Muslim community. Communities in Iganga and Mbale districts have built Islamic Umma and started the most important educational project – the Islamic University. Buyenzi, the suburb of the Burundian capital, and districts on the shores of Lake Tanganyika are places where economic aspirations of Burundian Muslims are realised.There is a twofold dynamic in the politics of Muslim communities. On the one hand, they strongly hold to the tradition based on Kiswahili language, culture and commerce; on the other hand, they try to advance on the political stage by searching for strong Muslim leaders.The Muslims of Uganda and Burundi tend to withdraw from public politics when they lack a charismatic leader. How can Muslim society remain the leading group in politics? To claim the place in the society there must be more emphasis put on education. Muslims seem to be aware of this need and have already taken some measures.

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