The Kampala Monitor has an opinion piece by Omar Kalinge Nnyago on religious politics, in the wake of a new law setting aside two days for fasting and prayer. The idea was first put forward by Janet Museveni, the evangelical wife of the president and toast of the US Right (I blogged on her dubious anti-AIDS policies here). Nnyago is unimpressed:

...These [special] days, she strongly believes, will save the country from corruption, disease, poverty and hunger. She admitted, by implication, that the 20 years of her husband's rule have brought tremendous poverty and corruption.

...[Some] argue that prayer by legislation would be to encroach on God's wisdom- having designated certain times and days of prayer and fasting. It would render Lent and Ramadhan an oversight by God. Secularists actually think that the motion stinks. Atheists want to seek asylum in a more reasonable country.

Others think that the motion constitutes a breach of the constitution and are mobilising to go to the Constitutional Court for redress.

Anti-terrorism analysts are not amused. They are afraid that the blatant introduction of religion in political life is bound to encourage Islamic extremists to start agitating for the establishment of the "rule of God" in Uganda, and will embolden fundamentalist groups like the Tabliq and the rebel ADF.

They argue that if implemented, Janet's prayer motion will provide just the excuse Al-Qaeda wanted to step up activities in the East African region. Seen in light of the recent events in Somalia, where the United Islamic Courts outfit has grabbed control of vital parts of the country, her motion's timing couldn't be more inappropriate...

Read the whole thing here.