Muslim clerics murders: Four more arrested

By Steven Candia, Eddie Ssejjoba & Abbey Ramadhan

KAMPALA - Four more suspects, including three Muslim clerics and a woman, have been arrested in connection with the recent murder of two prominent Muslim leaders.

The arrests have caused concern from several Muslims.

According to the Amir of Nakasero Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga, the suspects were arrested on Monday from various places in the city.

This was moments after six other suspects picked earlier appeared in court over charges of murder, attempted murder, terrorism and crimes against humanity.

The suspects were identified as Sheikh Murta Bukenya, a young brother of Sheik Kamoga, who was arrested with his wife Hadija Kiyaga; Fahd Kayondo and another Imam, who was not immediately identified but is said to be resident on Entebbe Road.

Kayondo was arrested from his shop at Kalungi Plaza on William Street by men travelling in two saloon cars accompanied by two Police patrol trucks.

Bukenya was picked at around 9:00pm along Queen’s Way in Kampala on his way home, according to Kamoga.

“They were grabbed by people who were trailing them in a taxi,” Kamoga said at the Nakasero Mosque as he briefed Muslims about the development.

He said Bukenya was picked while driving home in a Toyota Raum car with his wife.
 

During prayers for the late Sheikh Bahiga late last year, Police boss Gen. Kale Kayihura promised to provide security to targeted top Muslim clerics. (Photo credit: Roderick Ahimbazwe)

“Up to now, we do not know their whereabouts and where the car is,” Kamoga said, adding that all attempts to cross-check with the Police at Kibuye and other places were futile.

He criticised the arrests, particularly the manner in which they were carried out.

“The earlier suspects were kept in undisclosed places for almost two weeks without trial and yet these are religious leaders who should be respected,” Kamoga charged.

He, however, appealed to the Muslim community to remain calm and avoid breaking the law.

The secretary general of the Nakasero sect, Ayubu Nyende, said they were still waiting for an official communication from the Police about the latest arrests.

He said although they support the Police probe into the murders, the way the arrests are carried out is counter-productive to the probe because “we are considered as criminals.”

When contacted, Police spokesperson Fred Enanga could neither confirm nor deny the arrests.

“If there were any arrests, it must be part of the on-going probe,” Enanga said.

Kamoga and Nyende advised the Police to summon any suspects given that most of them are religious leaders who should be accorded respect.

New Vision also received unconfirmed reports of the arrest of two other people — Uthman Mugoye of Iganga and Abdu Hamid Lugemwa from Masaka, in connection with the recent murders.

The six suspects, including four brothers, who were charged in court on Monday, are Sheikh Yusuf Kakande, Sheikh Siraj Kawooya; Imam Abdulsalaam Sekayanja; Twaha Ssekito Sematimba; Rashid Jingo and Abdulhamid Sematimba.

They were charged over the December murders of Sheikh Mustafa Bahiga in Bwebajja and Daktur Abdul Muwaya in Mayuge district. They were also charged in connection with the attempted murder of Sheikh Haruna Jjemba.


Also related to this story

Archbishop Lwanga consoles Muslims after killings