Muslim murders case: Court sets hearing date
Prosecution states that the leader of Tabliq sect, Sheikh Yunus Kamoga (right) and his co-accused, directed systematic attacks against Shia and Tabliq Muslims, leaving many dead. File photo
KAMPALA. The International Crimes Division of the High Court has set October 17 for the hearing of a case in which 14 Muslim leaders are accused of a series of murders of top Muslim clerics across the country about two years ago.
Justice Duncan Gaswaga, presiding over the pre-trial session, confirmed charges of terrorism, murder and attempted murder against the suspects under Rule 10 of the court's procedural rules.
“During conferencing, both prosecution and defence have agreed on some issues that court must resolve and among them is; court to determine whether the accused had a common intention to murder Sheikhs Bahiga and Kirya or to cause fear and intimidation amongst members of the public…,” Justice Gaswaga ruled after confirming the charges against the suspects.
The 14 suspects are: Sheikh Muhamad Yunus Kamoga, Sheikh Siraj Kawooya, Sekayanja Abdulsalaam alias Kassim Mulumba, Sematimba Abdulhamid Mubiru, Jingo Rashid, Sekito Twaha, Kakande Yusuf alias Abdallah and Sheikh Murta Mudde Bukenya.
Others are: Hakim Kinene Muswaswa, Amir Kinene, Sheikh Kalungi Fahad, Hamuza Kasirye, Musa Issa Mubiru and Iga George William alias Hamuza.
Prosecution states that Sheikh Kamoga, the leader of Tabliq sect and his co-accused, directed systematic attacks against Shia and Tabliq Muslims, leaving many dead, including Sheikh Bahiga who was gunned down at Bwebajja on Entebbe Road; Sheikh Abdulkadir Muwaya, who was killed in Mayuge District and Sheikh Hassan Kirya, who was shot dead in Bweyogerere, Wakiso District.
On Monday the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mike Chibita presented to court a Nolle prosequi (a declaration dropping charges against a suspect) showing he had discontinues charges against 17 out of the indicted 32 Muslim clerics .
