CID quizzes Muslim cleric over inciting violence

Apr 26, 2012

A Muslim cleric, Sheikh Nuhu Muzata was briefly quizzed at the CID headquarters in Kibuli to explain his statements that the Police considered inflammatory.

By Jeff Andrew LuleAnd Simon Masaba

A Muslim cleric, Sheikh Nuhu Muzata was Wednesday quizzed at the Criminal Investigative Department (CID) headquarters in Kibuli to explain his statements that the Police considered inflammatory.

Speaking during the Juma prayers at Wandegeya Mosque last Friday, Muzata allegedly urged Muslims not to participate in the coming Muslim elections, adding in vernacular that "singa okulonda kw'abasiramu tekusazibwamu, yeno ej'okuba emanduso yokukyusa gavumenti", literally meaning, if the election is not cancelled, it will be the spark off of changing the government.

Muzata, who was summoned on Monday, arrived at CID headquarters at 2.00pm in company of about 10 other Muslim friends.

He was directed to the Ag. Commissioner of Police for Media Crimes, where he was interrogated for two hours.

Police first played the video recording in which Muzata uttered the statements for him to clarify.

Muzata accepted his statements, but stressed that they were misinterpreted by Police.

He noted that the statements were religious not political as many people had allegedly interpreted them.

"These are just religious statements and I have said these same words for the past five years. My statements are directed to Mufti Shaban Mubajje, who is organizing these elections. I also refer to Mubajje's government not any other," he explained.
Muzata said they were not going to participate in the elections and only urged people not to take part.

He was later freed without recording any statement.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Ibin Ssenkumbi said Muzata was only summoned to clarify on his statements.

"We received many complaints from people who felt uncomfortable with them. Many thought he intended to incite violence but we have been convinced with what he meant and that's what we wanted," he said.

He said Police wanted to know what Muzata meant by 'manduso' literally meaning a trigger, and the government he was referring to.

Ssenkumbi said Muzata  will be contacted in case police needs anything else.

Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headed by Mubajje intends to hold elections on Friday where they will elect new representatives of the general assembly countrywide.

But the Kibuli faction headed by Supreme Mufti, Sheikh Zubiaru Kayongo shunned the elections claiming Mubajje had no moral authority and mandate to organize the elections.

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