Tabliq leader did not flee, says Sheikh Ssekimpi

AUTHORITIES at Jamuiyat Ad-da’wa As-Salafiyya in Kampala have refuted press reports alleging that Sheikh Abdul Karim Sentamu, the head of sheikhs there had fled the country, writes Edris Kisambira. Sheikh Abdul Hakim Ssekimpi, the head of the sect recently told the press that Sentamu had not fled the country, as the story that appeared in the The Monitor’s Wednesday December 18, 2001 issue alleged. He said Sentamu is in London where he went to attend seminars on the Islamic teachings that are always held during the month of Ramadhan and he was expected back in the country anytime. “Sentamu has not fled the country as the report alleged. It is a lie. Sentamu passed through the right channels and he is in London and not in Kenya or South Africa as the report alleged,” Ssekimpi said. The report quoted sources at Market Street saying Sentamu, a renowned preacher, fled the country about two months ago after security personnel from the Chieftainancy of Military Intelligence (CMI) stormed his house several times demanding details about the operations of the Allied Democratic Forces, a rebel group. Ssekimpi said prior to Sentamu’s journey to the United Kingdom, he did not receive any information to the effect that his colleague was being trailed by security operatives from the CMI.