Tabliq leader Amir Ummah sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga is among the suspects. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

KAMPALA - A panel of three judges handling the murder, terrorism and crimes against humanity cases against Tabliq leader Amir Ummah sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga and 30 others has been deferred to July 18, when the hearing of the case will kick off.

This was after the lead prosecutor, Charles Richard Kamuli told the High Court on Monday that the state had received new evidence against the accused persons and it needed more time to analyze it before the hearing of the case begins.

The judges handling the cases are Ezekiel Muhanguzi, Percy Tuhaise and Jane Kiggundu.

The suspects appeared in court on Monday. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

In a media briefing, Justice Muhanguzi asked journalists not to take or publish their [the judges’] pictures before, during and after the hearing of the case for their own security.

Muhanguzi noted that it is not only their own security that is at stake, but also the security of journalists covering the case.

The accused persons are facing the trial for their alleged involvement in the murder of Sheikhs Mustafa Bahiga, Dr. Abdul Kadir Muwaya, Hassan Kirya among others and attempted murder of Sheikh Doctor Haruna Jjemba.

It is alleged that the accused persons and others at large masterminded the murder of several Muslim clerics in the country between December 2014 and June 2015.

Security around the High Court was tight.

While many Muslims were allowed to enter the court hall, many others were denied entry and remained along the roads surrounding the Constitutional Square.

Some of the suspects waved to their friends and family as they were led out of court. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)