Kampala. Tabliq Muslim sect Amir (leader), who was arrested on Tuesday night, has been charged with terrorism and remanded to Luzira prison. Sheikh Muhamad Yunus Kamoga was also charged with the recent murder of two Muslim clerics.
A jovial Kamoga arrived at Nakawa court aboard a Uganda Police burglar-proofed bus with other prisoners. After alighting, a seemingly undisturbed Kamoga, dressed in a grey-kanzu (tunic) clenched his fist and punched in the air.
He was led by prison warders and court orderlies into the brimming courtroom where the charges, including terrorism, crimes against humanity, two counts of murder and another count of attempted murder were read for him. The atmosphere in and outside court was tense as gun-wielding security personnel stood on guard.
The pin-drop silence in court was occasionally interrupted by chants of Allah Akbar (God is Great), by Sheikh Kamoga’s followers and relatives.
He was charged along with, Sheikh Murta Mudde Bukenya, Sheikh Fahad Kalungi, Mr Hakim Kinene Muswaswa, Mr Muzamilu Kasawuli, Mr Arafaat Serunjogi, Mr Badru Bukenya, Mr Alex Okot, Mr Joseph Olanya, Mr Amir Kinene, Ms Aisha Nakasibante and Mr Charles Okidi.
Grade One Magistrate Timothy Lumunye who read the charges, did not allow them enter any plea.
“Plea is not taken for lack of jurisdiction. Accused persons are remanded until January 29, for mention of their case,” Mr Lumunye said.
Sheikh Kamoga was then led to the waiting vehicle that drove off to Luzira prison.
He waved at his supporters, gesturing that all was well.
Five other suspects who were charged on Tuesday over the same offences include, Sheikh Ssiraje Kawooya, Sheikh Rashid Jjingo, Sheikh Abdu Salam Ssekayanja, Sheikh Twaha Ssekito and Sheikh Yusuf Kakande
Prosecution alleges the group, with others still at large between December 2014 and January 5, 2015 at Kavule ward Buyemba Mayuge District, Bwebajja and Watuba Matugga Wakiso District with intent to intimidate the public or sections of the Muslim faith and for a political, religious, social or economic aim involved themselves in attacks towards shiite and Tabliq Muslims which resulted in murders.
Court heard that the suspects allegedly shot and killed Sheikh Mustafa Bahiiga at Bwebajja Mosque on Entebbe Road and the Shiite leader, Sheikh Abdul Qadr Muwaya, at his home in Mayuge District on different days last month.
They were also charged with another count of attempted murder of Sheikh Jemba Haruna.
