Muslim reconciliation committee starts work

By Moses Walubiri

A joint Muslim Committee set up to explore ways of finding a lasting solution to perennial wrangles that have bedeviled the Muslim community has started its work.  

Chaired by Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere, the nine-man committee is expected to complete its work in three months.

A brain child of an interface between President Museveni and leaders of the Kibuli and Old Kampala Muslim factions in May, the committee has representatives from both government and the two warring groups.

Government is represented by Prof. Kabwegyere, Isaac Musumba, and Prof. Yasin Olum, while Muhammad Kisambira, Sheikh Hassan Kirya and Faisal Mukasa are representing the Kibuli faction led by Supreme Mufti, Sheikh Zubair Kayongo.

Representatives of the Shaban Mubajje led Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) are Dr. Edris Kasenene, Haji Sulayiman Musana and Sheik Anasi Ssesimba.

In an attempt to gather information from ordinary Muslims, the committee has set up a desk at Diamond Trust building in Kampala and a hot line (0705385441) for that effect.

“Work has started in earnest; we have completed discussion on terms of reference and rules of procedure. We shall be interacting with different parties and individuals in our work, anyone who has information by way of documents or relevant facts to help the committee produce a comprehensive report will be most welcome,” Kabwegyere told journalists at the Media center yesterday.