Rabbi Hoping To Be First Jew Elected To Uganda's Parliament

The London Jewish Chronicle reported yesterday that in Uganda, a 41-year old rabbi hopes to become the first Jewish member of Uganda's parliament. Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, who grew up in the country under Idi Amin, hopes to win a seat in February's elections to represent the area of Bungonkho North in the city of Mbale.  Sizomu is a member of the Abayudaya Jewish community founded by a military chieftain 91 years ago. Sizomu's campaign is centered on raising medical standards.  His campaign manager is a Muslim.  Some supporters of Sizomu's Muslim opponent are using religion as an issue-- urging residents to vote for a fellow-Muslim and raising fears that Sizomu could convert many Muslims to Judaism.