Sheikh murders: six suspects released

Aug 02, 2015

Six people arrested on suspicion of having a hand in the murder of local Muslim clerics are released.


By Farooq Kasule
  

KAMPALA - Six people who were arrested by the police on suspicion of having a hand in the murder of local Muslim clerics have been released.

Their arrest followed the killing – in similar fashion – of prominent Ugandan Muslim leaders in different parts of the country.

The latest of such documented killings was of Sheikh Hassan Kirya at the end of June this year. His was the 9th of such fatalities in the space of two years.

The other murdered sheikhs include: Abdu Rashid Wafula, Abdul Kadr Muwaya, Mustafa Bahiga, Abdu Karim Sentamu, Hajj Abubaker Kiweewa, Yunus Abu Bakr Mudungu, Muhammad Maganda and Abdu Jawali Sentunga.

The actual motive behind such brutal attacks is still unclear but local Police has pointed to Ugandan rebel group Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) as playing a role.

The murders, which have shaken the local Muslim community, have been widely condemned by various groups across the country.

On Saturday, six people implicated in the killings were set free after a successful meeting between the acting Tabliq leader Sheikh Yahaya Mwanje and the Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura.

Mwanje later told New Vision that they agreed with the police boss to have all suspects found innocent released, after police interrogations at the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Kireka.

The group was released on police bond and agreed that whenever the police wanted any of them, it would be the responsibility of Sheikh Mwanje to produce them before police.

The Muslim cleric hailed Kayihura for responding to their plea and setting free innocent suspects.

Those released included: Abdul Busulwa, Abubakar Nyombi, Giran Ssemwogerere, Abubakar Male popularly known as Kyazanga, Amin Muhamad and Edrisa Sserwadda.

Meanwhile the Tabliq leader implored the Muslim community to remain calm and put their trust in Allah that all the innocent suspects will be released.

“Please endeavor to pray to your creator Allah because nothing is impossible in His hands,” he urged.

 Relatives of the six people chanted “Allah Akbar! Allah Akbar!” upon their release.
 

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