Targeted Sheikhs get armed escorts
The Commandant of VIPPU, Mr Elias Kassirabo (L), and his deputy Anthony Ntungwa (R) with Sheikh Hassan Kirya, the Kibuli-based Muslim faction spokesperson, in Kampala. This was after security personnel were deployed to guard Muslim clerics whose lives were under threat. This did not save the Muslim cleric. File photo
What you need to know:
Police provide armed escorts to Muslim Sheikhs reportedly on an assassin’s hit list days after one of the clerics, Sheikh Haruna Jjemba, escaped an attempt on his life.
Kampala- Police have given Muslim Sheikhs who are reportedly on an assassin hit list armed escorts. Mr Elias Kasirabo, the commandant of the Very Important Persons Protection Unit (VIPPU), deployed the police officers beginning with Kibuli Mosque.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen Kale Kayihura, offered to attach escorts to the Muslim leaders during dhuwa prayers at Kibuli Mosque for Sheikh Mustafa Bahiiga, the Kampala District Amir, who was shot dead along Entebbe Road on December 29.
Sheikh Ibrahim Hassan Kirya, the spokesperson of the Kibuli-based Muslim faction loyal to the Supreme Mufti, Sheikh Zubair Kayongo, confirmed the development.
“Yes. It is true,” Sheikh Kirya stated on telephone. “We have been discussing how it (deployment of officers) will be implemented, right now we are just working out the modalities,” he added last evening.
The police officers at Kibuli tried to wave away the prying journalists eager to take some shots of the escorts.
“Who told you we are here? Go away,” one officer said as journalists retreated. The police and Sheikhs were later locked in a closed meeting.
It was not possible to reach the police spokesperson, Mr Fred Enanga, for comment as his phone was off and his deputy Polly Namaye was not taking any calls.
Police Operations Commander Andrew Felix Kaweesi said he could not comment as he was locked in a meeting.
Tenterhooks
Anger and fear gripped the Muslim community after a couple of their prominent leaders were gunned down in a way that had the hallmark of an assassin on a prowl.
Sheikh Bahiiga aside, Sheikh Abdul Kadhir Muwaya was gunned down at his home in Mayuge on Christmas day.
Three other Muslim clerics Abdu Karim Ssentamu (April 20, 2012), Abubaker Kiweewa (June 22, 2012) and Yunus Madungo (November 1, 2012) were killed.
Only three days ago Sheikh Haruna Jjemba survived an attempt on his life.
Sheikh Jjemba narrated that in the wee hours of last Saturday morning, gunmen attacked him at his home and fired 15 bullets at his house. They also shot at his guard who returned fire at the assailants and they fled.
Gen Kayihura has blamed the attacks on Muslim leaders on reprisal killings by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). He said ADF is getting back at leaders who once worked with them but later quit.
“We have contacted the Muslim clerics and I have instructed some of my officers from Counter Terrorism [squad] to give them protection and also ensure their offices are guarded,” Gen Kayihura said during a December 30, media briefing at Police headquarters in Kampala.
CONFLICT OVER PROPERTY
The Muslim community had also been squabbling over management of its property and leadership of the faith. The death of Sheikh Bahiiga had been blamed on wrangles over the leadership of the Tabliq sect and management of Nakasero mosque along William Street in Kampala.
Sheikh Jjemba is the Amir (leader) of a rival sect that broke away from the mainstream Tabliq establishment headed by Sheikh Muhammad Kamoga.
Last Thursday police tried to restore the status quo but was resisted.
