Muslims in Uganda protest mosque raids, arbitrary arrests
KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) – Muslims in Uganda from all segments of society protested Monday against the arbitrary arrests of Muslim leaders during raids on mosques.
Muslim clerics, parliamentarians, businessmen and community members came out to condemn the arrests, which they say are illegal and uncalled for.
“It’s discriminatory for the government to always raid mosques and violently arrest sheikhs without following the law and detain them incommunicado without producing them in courts of law,” said Asuman Basalirwa, chairman of the Parliamentary Muslim Forum and a member of parliament representing Bugiri municipality.
Muslim members of parliament (MPs) also protested against the disrespect of mosques by security agencies whose personnel enter the places of worship with their shoes on as they carry out arrests.
In the past four weeks, more than 15 Muslims have been arrested in various parts of the country. Police spokesman Fred Enanga said that some of those arrested have cases to answer for and would soon be taken to court.
Among those arrested recently was the deputy leader of the Tabligh Muslim sect in Uganda, Sheikh Yahaya Mwanje, and more than 10 other Muslim worshippers.
Army spokesman Felix Kulayigye said they would soon produce Sheikh Yahya in court. He, however, did not reveal what he would be charged with.
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