Ugandans attending the annual pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia were reported all safe and none was injured in the tragic stampede that claimed lives in Mina on Thursday.
About 3 million pilgrims from across the globe go to Mecca for the Hajj every year. About 345 Muslim pilgrims died on Thursday during a stone-throwing ritual in Mina, about four miles outside Mecca. Sheikh Hakim Ssekimpi who led a team of about 100 pilgrims said on phone from Mecca on Friday “none of our colleagues was injured. We are in close contact with all the other groups from Uganda and all are safe.” About 1,200 Muslims from Uganda attended this year’s Hajj.
In 2004, 251 pilgrims died while 1990 saw the loss of 1,426 pilgrims. This year’s stampede registered the highest death toll in 16 years.
By Kisibo Jackie
>
