By Cecilia Okoth and Saudha Nakandha

Pope Francis has called on the Muslim fraternity to promote peace and development saying it will bring about reconciliation.

During a mid-morning visit to the Supreme Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje at Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), Archbishop Michael Blume, the Apostolic Nuncio in Uganda, delivered the Pope’s message of peace to Muslims in the country.

Blume’s visit was with reference to confirm the messages the Pope has been sending to Muslims worldwide. “All who believe in God should make peace and live in peace,” Blume said.

He added that, “It is our goal; all believers in God to live and work together.”

The meeting was about endorsing peace and reconciliation and promoting education for the betterment of the East African region. The visitors also toured Gaddafi mosque and Mubajje handed over a Holy Koran to the Nuncio.

Mubajje however condemned terrorist acts especially the four-day horror at the Westgate Mall in Kenya saying that the perpetuators were using religion for selfish interests.

“What is taking place concerns us all Muslims and Christians. Those terrorists are using religion to fight personal wars. This should be stopped,” he bitterly said.

This comes at a time when Tanzania and Uganda is under terror threat, with its neighbour, Kenya, under attack.

Suspected Islamist fighters from Somalia’s al Shabaab Saturday launched an attack on the high end Westgate shopping Mall in Nairobi, leaving 67 dead and hundreds injured. The siege lasted four days.

SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/647595-pope-francis-appeals-to-muslims-on-peace.html