There was drama at the funeral of the late sheikh Huzairu Kiruuta, the former Kadhi Masaka Muslim district on Wednesday after supporters of Sheikh Zubairi Kayongo, the self styled Supreme Mufti attempted to force him on the high table. Sheikh Kiruuta was laid to rest at his home in Kabigi village in Butenga Sub County Bukomansimbi district.
It all started after Kayongo’s supporters stormed the high table with their boss demanding that he is given a special seat. However, the security detail of Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda wouldn’t have any of this leading to a scuffle. It took the intervention of the security team of the Vice President Edward Ssekandi to defuse the tension. Muhammad Nsereko, the MP Kampala Central who was addressing the mourners condemned the skirmishes.
He accused the rival factions of exhibiting indiscipline at a time when they should be preaching reconciliation. Sheikh Anas Ssesiimba, the In-Charge of Ceremonies who was the Master of Ceremonies worsened the confusion when he refused to introduce Sheikh Zubair Kayongo as Supreme Mufti and instead referred to him as a special teacher. This angered Kayongo’s supporters who accused Ssesimba of belittling their leader. Sheikh Kayongo was not given chance to address the mourners because he was not included on the program.
Haji Nsereko Mutumba, the UMSC Public Relations Officer disowned the group that clashed with Kayongo saying Sheikh Mubajje does not know the “hooligans”. He said the Mufti doesn’t have any personal problem with Sheikh Kayongo despite their leadership wrangles.
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In his speech sheikh Mubajje asked Muslims to resolve their problems saying he does not believe in the special committee set up by President Yoweri Museveni to investigate Muslim wrangles. He said Museveni, being an Anglican does not understand the Quranic view of resolving conflicts.
(Luganda version)
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Hussein Kyanjo, the Makindye West agrees with the Mufti on how Muslim wrangles can be resolved. He asked Muslims to break their ego and resolve their differences.
Edward Bindhe
Freelancer