Uganda holds absentee funeral prayers for Türkiye earthquake victims

KAMPALA, Uganda

Uganda's grand Mufti on Friday led absentee funeral prayers, known as Salat al-Gha'ib, for people killed in Türkiye during Monday's twin earthquakes that shook the region.

The prayers held at the National Mosque were attended by the Turkish ambassador to Uganda, Fatih Ak, along with hundreds.

The grand Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, expressed his deepest condolences for the devastating loss of life and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for a speedy recovery of the injured.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy, our heartfelt sympathy and sincere prayers for these innocent victims of this devastating natural disaster, to their families, and all those suffering in Türkiye and Syria," he said.

The Mufti called upon Ugandans of all faiths to send whatever aid they could to help address the needs of the survivors whose livelihoods has been destroyed by the earthquake.

"Due to the extremely exceptional circumstances that this tragedy has imposed on the brotherly people of Türkiye, I appeal to everyone to respond with the support they can offer," he said.

The Turkish embassy in Uganda established a response collection center for donations and supplies, which will be delivered to Türkiye at the embassy.

Turkish Ambassador to Uganda expressed his gratitude to the mufti for standing by Türkiye at the most difficult time.