UDOM Accused of Religious Bigotry

University of Dodoma

THE University of Dodoma was put on the spotlight here yesterday over claims that the institution was promoting religious bigotry among students and staff.

Member of Parliament for Rombo (CHADEMA), Joseph Selasini told the National Assembly that the university was of late being run like a religious institution and called upon the government to act immediately.

To substantiate his claims, the legislator produced a CD which he said contained inflammatory teachings by some university's dons, and submitted it to the deputy speaker. "The government needs to act now and stop witch-hunting.

It is officials, agencies and institutions that are planting the seeds of religious hatred in society," noted Mr Selasini when debating the Prime Minister's Office budget estimates. He said the government does not even have to meet religious leaders as planned and instead has to concentrate in putting its house in order, adding that he has evidence to prove that some companies and institutions were hiring people based on their religious inclinations.

He also lamented on the tendency by officials to relate other political parties as having leanings to certain religions was not helping matters. "For example, Chadema is accused of being a party for Christians. This is not true and only helps divide people on religious grounds," he observed.

He also questioned action taken against former Inspector General of Police Omar Mahita after he failed to prove his claims several years ago that the Civic United Front (CUF) had imported a container of swords and was inclined to a certain religion.

However, contributing to the debate, Juma Nkamia (CCMKondoa South) rubbished accusations against UDOM, noting that he is an enrolled student with the university and there was no such thing as claimed by Mr Selasini.

Mr Nkamia also dismissed the CD submitted by the Rombo legislator as having been fabricated. But he later had to retract his statement that was seen as derogatory when he said "I'm speaking to the dog owner and not the dog", after fellow MP Joseph Mbilinyi intervened as he was making his contribution.

Opposition MPs Mosses Machali (NCCR MAGEUZIKasulu Urban) and Pauline Ghekul (Special Seats- Chadema) had sought the deputy speaker's guidance on the matter, leading to Nkamia's apology.