Police mum on murdered Muslim scholar

Police by last night could not comment on the investigations into the murder of Sheikh Abdu Karim Ssentamu, who was shot dead in his car on William Street on Friday night by unidentified assailants.

Police spokesperson Asuman Mugenyi yesterday said he has been trying to call the investigating officers in the case but all their phones were switched off while Kampala Metropolitan Spokesperson Ibin Ssenkumbi asked for time in order to be able to comment.

Tension and anger engulfed the Muslim community at Nakasero Mosque on Saturday as they prayed for the slain Ssentamu, a prominent Muslim scholar.

Witnesses said the attacker, who approached the cleric in his car parked at Boost House at around 9pm, requested for a lift to Kawempe before pulling out a pistol.

“He requested for a lift but dad told him that we were not going to Kawempe so he asked for Shs500 to find alternative means, and as soon as he was given the money, he responded with gushots,” an unidentified daughter to the deceased said.

According to the girl, who was travelling with her father, the attacker immediately fled.
“Since he was murdered in the middle of the city, let us hope that investigations will be quick,” Supreme Mufti Zubair Kayongo said.

Investigations
The Inspector General of Police, Lt. Gen. Kale Kayihura, said Sentamu’s killing shocked security officials and the President but pledged a swift investigation into the matter.

“I was coming from Masindi when I got this information, I immediately brought it to the attention of the President (Museveni) who was also shocked but I assure you that we shall do anything to crack down on the murderers,” Lt. Gen. Kayihura told mourners at Nakasero Mosque.

Background.
Sheikh Abdu Karim Ssentamu, a degree holder in Islamic theology from Madina International University, Saudi Arabia, has been conducting Islamic classes at Masjid Noor Mosque on William Street in Kampala. The motives of his killing remain unclear.

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