Senior Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) said on Thursday that the Inspector General of Police Gen Kale Kayihura has apologized to Muslims over the recent police raids at Nakasero and Kiwatule mosques.
In a statement, Hajji Nsereko Mutumba, UMSC spokesperson told reporters about the police chief’s visit despite the former army man claiming it was a usual visit as part of the community policing program..
Kayihura met the first Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Abdullah Ssemambo and Second Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Waiswa at Old Kampala Mosque, the seat of UMSC.
During the meeting the Muslim leaders expressed concern by the manner in which, the Nakasero and Kiwatule Mosque operations were conducted, saying Muslim leaders should have been notified.
“The IGP was here mainly to talk about the Muslim situation in the country and he apologized to Muslims over Nakasero and Kiwatule mosque raids. He said the operation was poorly conducted and also said his men acted on false intelligence for the raid on Kiwatule mosque,” Hajji Mutumba said.
Gen Kayihura said he had launched an inquiry into Shs27m that was allegedly stolen by security operatives during the raid on Nakasero mosque. The operation was reportedly conducted by over 80 officers from the police Flying Squad, military police, Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT).
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“I received that information [stolen money exhibits] and I have collaborated with the mosque leadership. We shall find out the truth,” Gen Kayihura said in a brief meeting with the media at UMSC offices last week.
During a visit to Nalufenya Police Station on Wednesday, Nakasero Mosque leaders discovered the number of detained Muslims had increased to 24, up from 18 as previously reported.
However, Gen Kayihura said police were still investigating the matter to ensure no room for error given that the case is sensitive.
“This is a prosecution-led investigation that needs a lot of time. The suspects shall be brought to court or be released after the prosecution is done with investigations,” Gen Kayihura said.
Mr Emilian Kayima, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, said police had prepared terrorism and murder charges against the suspects because police had recovered rudimentary ammunitions and weapons from the Nakasero mosque.
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