Islamists target soccer fans in terror attack in Uganda: The Church of England Newspaper, July 23, 2010 p 6.

Archbishop Henry Orombi of Uganda

First published in The Church of England Newspaper.

The Archbishop of Uganda has called for restraint in the wake of two suicide attacks launched by Islamist militants in Kampala, which killed 74 and has left dozens injured.

Archbishop Henry Orombi called upon Ugandans to “desist from anger and revenge; this will only perpetuate the pain we already feel. Revenge is not a solution and neither is a sectarian approach to this problem helpful.”

He urged Ugandans to “instead now focus our energies on being a part of the fight against terrorism in our country.”

On the evening of July 11, bombs were detonated at an Ethiopian Restaurant and at the Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala while the two were packed with revelers watching the World Cup Final.

The Somali Islamist group al-Shabab is believed to be behind the attack, which analysts say was launched in retaliation for Uganda’s support of the interim government in Mogadishu.  Somali Islamists have also denounced soccer as un-Islamic and forbidden by the Koran.

A fatwa banning soccer was issued in 2003 by the Saudi Wahhabist cleric Abdallah Al-Najadi.  His 40 page ruling, the MEMRI news service reported, held that Muslims may not play soccer unless the game is altered to eliminate fouls, penalties, short pants, and the use or red and yellow cards.  In June two Somalis were murdered as they watched a televised World Cup match for violating the ban.

However, the Muslim world is not united in its condemnation of soccer.  On June 21 the London-based Arab language newspaper al-Hayat published an editorial denouncing the ban.  Editor Jamil Al-Thiyabi stated that these fatwas reflected a crisis in the Islamic world, where the legitimate Islamic institutions do nothing about extremist groups that are forcing their will upon society.

On July 12, a government spokesman said arrests have been made, and an un-exploded suicide vest packed with detonators  and shrapnel was found in Kampala.

An Irish woman was among the dead at the restaurant reported Reuters, while the US embassy said a 25-year old American working for a California-based NGO, Invisible Children, which rehabilitates child soldiers, was among those killed at the rugby club.  The vice-chancellor of Uganda Christian University, Prof. Stephen Noll, said one alumnus was killed, as were three members of the family of one of the school’s staff members.

Archbishop Orombi said “this act of malice and hatred towards mankind is completely ungodly, especially towards innocent and unsuspecting persons. I condemn this act in the strongest terms possible and hope to see the perpetrators of this hideous crime brought to justice.”

“To the bereaved, I extend my sincere condolences. We share in your pain and wish you God’s comfort during this difficult time.”

“And to the entire nation, I ask you to fix your eyes on the cross of Jesus. The cross is a reminder of human cruelty to an innocent person; the agony of pain He went through enables Him to share in our pain as well. He had to pay a price for us to receive our freedom. The blood of the Ugandans spilled on Sunday will bring to Ugandans peace,” the archbishop said.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni condemned the attackers and said his country would not “run away” from its commitments in Mogadishu.

“People who are watching football are not people who should be targeted. If they want a fight, they should go and look for soldiers.”

Foreign Secretary William Hague offered Britain’s condolences, and denounced the bombing.  “These were cowardly attacks during an event that was widely seen as a celebration of African unity, and I condemn them in the strongest possible terms.  The UK will stand with Uganda in fighting such brutal acts of violence and terror.”

White House spokesman Tommy Vietor condemned the terrorist bombing. “The president is deeply saddened by the loss of life resulting from these deplorable and cowardly attacks, and sends his condolences to the people of Uganda and the loved ones of those who have been killed or injured,” he said.