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We shall not be diverted, rival Muslim faction tells Museveni
Sheikh Muzaata (with orange scurf) leads muslims to Gaddafi Mosque last week. PHOTO BY STEPHEN OTAGE
What you need to know:
The Kibuli faction said Museveni’s advice was full of threats. They have vowed to fight on until Mubajje leaves.
Kampala
Outspoken head of Imams at the Kibuli-based faction Sheikh Nuhu Muzaata has described their meeting with President Museveni last week as a calculated move by government to divert them from dislodging Mufti Shaban Ramathan Mubajje.
The faction accuses Mufti Mubajje of being a stumbling block in restoring sanity in the Muslim leadership.
While addressing hundreds of Muslim faithful at Kyabadaaza Village in Mpigi District at the weekend, Sheikh Muzaata said their meeting with President Museveni was full of threats and insults and nothing constructive was reached.
“President Museveni has opened war against all religious leaders but he will not win. Some of us have already written our wills because we know that we shall be arrested and killed any time but that will not stop others from fighting for the same cause,” Sheikh Muzaata said.
This came days after President Museveni met Muzaata’s group and warned them against using violence in their quest to recover community property which were allegedly disposed of by Mufti Mubajje.
Efforts to speak to the presidential press secretary, Mr Tamale Mirundi, were futile as his known telephones were switched off by press time. Sheikh Muzaata said his group under a new operation dubbed ‘Bye bye Mubajje’ was planning another procession to unseat Mufti Mubajje from Gaddifi National Mosque.
“What happened last week was just the beginning. Wait for the final whistle when every Muslim will be asked to march towards Old Kampala. We must protect our values as Muslims and protect what belongs to us,” he said. The sheikh was, however, quick to deny allegations that he was inciting people against the government or mobilising rebel activities in the country.
“Ours is a genuine cause although some people have refused to understand us. Who can be robbed in broad daylight and leave the thief to walk scot free?” he asked.
But Hajj Nsereko Mutumba, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, spokesperson, scoffed at the Kibuli group, saying: “My friend Muzaata and group are angry for no good reason. They are the ones who brought Mubajje and know the process which was used not violence. If they insist on that (violence), we are ready, let them come,” he said.
