Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango stated that Sheikh Lunanoba and others were arrested at Kawempe Mosque after a dispute between two rival Muslim factions of Juma-Zukuli escalated into a physical altercation.
Kawempe Police Station has added new assault charges against Sheikh Muhammad Lunanoba, the former president general of Juma-Zukuli Muslims, and his colleagues who were arrested on Monday.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango stated that Sheikh Lunanoba and others were arrested at Kawempe Mosque after a dispute between two rival Muslim factions of Juma-Zukuli escalated into a physical altercation.Videos of Sheikh Lunanoba’s arrest circulated online, with his associates claiming it was due to his non-compliance with a court order.
However, police clarified that his arrest was unrelated to any court order violations.Preliminary police investigations indicate that the fight erupted when one group attempted to take control of some mosque properties, sparking a violent confrontation that left several people injured.
Police intervened, finding the situation chaotic, and subsequently arrested three more individuals, including Sheikh Lunanoba, while others were taken to the hospital for treatment.“They have a long-standing dispute over the leadership of the mosque in Kawempe, which is still being handled in civil court. Recently, one group took possession of the mosque, but another attempted to reclaim control, leading to resistance, fighting, and injuries.
Police had to step in,” Onyango said.Onyango added that after further review, police confirmed that the property dispute is still in court. As a result, all those arrested were granted police bond while investigations continue.
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Police have since urged the public to avoid forcefully seizing properties while legal proceedings are ongoing.
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The Juma-Zukuli Muslim Group has been embroiled in a leadership dispute since March 2023, when a faction of its followers petitioned the High Court to remove Sheikh Lunanoba from office.
Additionally, police recently summoned the former Juma-Zukuli Muslim Group leadership, including Sheikh Lunanoba, over allegations of forgery and the unlawful disposal of trustee property. The group’s leadership has been plagued by controversy.
Kamali. M James
Freelancer