Arrests not targeting Muslims, says Kasaija

Jul 21, 2010

TERROR arrests are not targeting Muslims but criminals, the internal affairs state minister, Matia Kasaija, has said.

By Joyce Namutebi
TERROR arrests are not targeting Muslims but criminals, the internal affairs state minister, Matia Kasaija, has said.

“I assure the country especially Muslims that the Government is not witch-hunting Muslims. We have never done it. We are looking for criminals regardless of religion,” Kasaija said yesterday.

He was appearing before the parliamentary committee on defence and internal affairs to discuss matters related to the Police’s budget.

The minister appealed to the Muslim community in the country to feel comfortable. He, however, warned that those who commit crime, whether believers or not, would be hunted down

He was responding to concerns raised by Hussein Kyanjo, the Justice Forum flag-bearer, about reported arrests of Muslims from Kisenyi and Katwe suburbs in Kampala and in Fort Portal.

“I want the minister to explain whether Muslims participated in the terror attacks. We want the law to be followed. Do not to arrest somebody simply because he is a Muslim,” Kyanjo said.

Last week, Muslim leaders condemned the bombings, saying Allah would punish the Al-Shabaab. The Somali-based militants claimed responsibility for the attacks in which 82 people died and many were others injured.

Speaking at the Old Kampala mosque, the deputy Mufti, Abdul Hayi Mukiibi, advised the Muslims in the country to avoid acts of terrorism.

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