The Supreme Mufti Sheikh Siriman Kasule Ndirangwa has asked the government to consider re-opening places of worship to save believers from suffocating spiritually.

He made the appeal on Friday during the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha.

Ndirangwa says it is sad that most public spaces like arcades, shopping malls, and public transport are allowed to operate under restrictions while mosques stay closed.

He explained that during this time of the pandemic many people need spiritual uplifting from their respective religious leaders which can only be found in places of worship.

Ndirangwa adds that places of worship are much more organized and therefore able to adhere to the required Standard Operating Procedures-SOPs.

However, the Ministry of Health has repeatedly warned against the lifting of the lockdown because of negligence from the public in adhering to the guidelines in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization-WHO has warned African governments that easing of Covid-19 restrictions could lead to a resurgence and has asked to strengthen testing and contact tracing.

Matshidiso Moeti WHO regional director says African countries should remember that “no one is safe until we are all safe.”