Gunmen kill Muslim cleric

By Moses Bikala
                 
The Police in Bugiri district have started investigating the murder of an Imam (Muslim cleric) by gunmen on Saturday evening.

 Sheikh Yunusu Abubakari was shot dead by unknown people as he moved towards his home in Bugiri town at around 8.30p.m after conducting night prayers at Masjid Umaru Mosque belonging to the Salafi sect in Bugiri in which he is the leader.

 According to an eyewitness, Geofrey Musoga the deceased who was accompanied by a colleague identified as Issa Hamisi was attacked by two men on a motorcycle.

 The assailants were reportedly carrying a big bag in which they hid the gun and they fired three bullets at Abubakari killing him instantly and two bullets at Hamisi who sustained serious injuries and was taken to Fast Line Medical Centre in Bugiri town.

The district officer in charge criminal investigations David Otim said investigations into the matter were still underway and no arrests in connection with the incident had been made yet.

 He said the motive of the attack was not yet known since the deceased had been a reserved person and humble amongst members of the society.

The Bwole cell LC1chairman, Sula Matende said the residents rushed to the scene moments later and found the two lying in a pool of blood.

 He said Muslims who were also returning from the mosque after prayers later ran back to the mosque to take cover after hearing the gunshots.