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African Regional News Updates |
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25 May 2009 Kampala — The Kibuli-based rival
Mufti, Sheikh Zubair Kayongo, has urged the Government
to take action against Mufti Shaban Ramathan Mubajje
over the Friday violence in Mbarara district.
It is alleged that Mubajje's supporters stormed
Nyamitanga Mosque ahead of Kayongo's visit and
destroyed the windows, burnt seven tents and beat up
the organisers of the function.
Eyewitnesses said about 20 people went to Mbarara
on a pick-up truck allegedly armed with sticks and
knives to block Kayongo's visit.
Ahmed Gayira, said to be Mubajje's body guard and
Muhammed Sowedi were beaten up by Kayongo supporters.
The two are admitted at Mbarara Hospital.
Muhammed Wekisugu and another person only
identified as Bahareni were arrested and detained at
the Mbarara Police Station.
Kayongo arrived after the fracas in a convoy of
over 40 vehicles and motorcycles and was received by
his supporters at Rwizi Hotel.
He was escorted by the Police to Nyamitanga Mosque
where he addressed the congregation after the Juma
prayers.
Kayongo condemned Mubajje and his supporters for
causing insecurity wherever he goes.
He said the Muslims had a right to follow the
person they felt would help them.
Recently Mubajje's supporters blocked Kayongo's
visit to West-Nile. The Police esecorted Kayongo to
safety.
They also stopped him from entering a Mosque in
Kamuli district.
"If he can organise people to break glasses in a
Mosque and burn tents, then what do you expect from
him? We ask security officers to intervene and punish
Mubajje and his supporters for causing insecurity," he
said.
Kayongo said he would take over Old Kampala Mosque
peacefully.
"We are going to take over Old Kampala without
shedding blood. And we shall have two weeks of
celebrations because I believe all Ugandans will be
happy to see off Mubajje," Kayongo said.
He asked the Muslims of Nyamitanga Mosque to ensure
that they reposses the mosque's land title, which he
said was taken by the Mbarara district Kadhi, Sheikh
Abdunoor Kaduyu.
Kaduyu did not attend the function.
Habibu Kagimu, a prominent businessman, said he
would replace the tents burnt by Mubajje's group.
The chairman of the Mosque, Jamir Bakyase, asked
Kayongo to help mobilise funds for the construction of
a university at Nyamitanga.
EsinIslam.Com
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