Police deployed at Masaka ahead of Kayongo visit
May 28, 2009
The Police in Masaka last evening deployed heavily at the district main Mosque ahead of Sheikh Zubair Kayongo’s visit.
By Ali Mambule
The Police in Masaka last evening deployed heavily at the district main Mosque ahead of Sheikh Zubair Kayongo’s visit.
Kayongo is the head of the Kibuli faction, which is opposed to Mufti Sheik Shaban Mubajje of Old Kampala.
He is expected to preside over a swearing-in ceremony of the acting district kadhi, Sheik Swaibu Ndugga, appointed last week to replace Sheik Huzairu Kiruuta.
Kiruuta was accused of dictatorship and siding with Mubajje.
“When Sheik Kayongo visits tomorrow, his function will be held at the golf course and not any where near the Mosque. We have also agreed that because of the rivalry between Sheik Kiruuta’s group and that of the chairman of the district Muslim council, Sheik Ismail Musisi, the Police should secure the Mosque.
“The Mufti’s office shall also remain closed until we deem it necessary to have it reopened,†said the resident district commissioner, Barnabas Bamusedde Bwambale. He was addressing journalists yesterday after a district security meeting.
He, however, said despite the deployment, other activities would continue normally.
“Deploying the Police is just to ensure law and order,†he said.
Bwambale said the move followed complaints from both factions that people planned to raid the area and wreck havoc during the Juma prayers.
The Police in Masaka last evening deployed heavily at the district main Mosque ahead of Sheikh Zubair Kayongo’s visit.
Kayongo is the head of the Kibuli faction, which is opposed to Mufti Sheik Shaban Mubajje of Old Kampala.
He is expected to preside over a swearing-in ceremony of the acting district kadhi, Sheik Swaibu Ndugga, appointed last week to replace Sheik Huzairu Kiruuta.
Kiruuta was accused of dictatorship and siding with Mubajje.
“When Sheik Kayongo visits tomorrow, his function will be held at the golf course and not any where near the Mosque. We have also agreed that because of the rivalry between Sheik Kiruuta’s group and that of the chairman of the district Muslim council, Sheik Ismail Musisi, the Police should secure the Mosque.
“The Mufti’s office shall also remain closed until we deem it necessary to have it reopened,†said the resident district commissioner, Barnabas Bamusedde Bwambale. He was addressing journalists yesterday after a district security meeting.
He, however, said despite the deployment, other activities would continue normally.
“Deploying the Police is just to ensure law and order,†he said.
Bwambale said the move followed complaints from both factions that people planned to raid the area and wreck havoc during the Juma prayers.