Tabliq Pastor Arrested

By Eddie Sejjoba in Masaka The police in Masaka yesterday arrested the controversial Tabliq pastor, Peter Mulinde a.k.a Sheikh Umaru Mulinde, and six other preachers during a crusade for the born-again Christians at the district Saza grounds. The police used tear gas to disperse the huge congregation at the crusade which was organised by Mulinde’s Winning Soul church. Mulinde recently abandoned Islam and joined christianity. Last year, he infuriated the muslim community when he organised his followers and slaughtered a pig while dressed in Islam religious attire. The preachers were detained at Masaka police station, while the faithful gathered outside. Yesterday the police beat up most of the leaders during the arrest and many were injured. One of preachers, Capt Livingstone Busulwa, was bleeding from the mouth. Busulwa said he got permission from the police and LCs to organise the crusade. Earlier in the day, a group of muslim tabliqs attempted to disperse the congregation but were restrained by the police. The Masaka Resident District Commissioner, Rose Mutonyi, had ordered the police to stop the crusade, fearing an outbreak of violence. Since last week, the Muslim leaders have been warning Mulinde against holding the crusade. By press time, the Police was still recording statements from the suspects and witnesses. Ends