Close associates of Sheikh Lunanoba claim in social media videos that his arrest is due to non-compliance with a court order. However, it remains unclear if additional charges are involved, as the police have yet to released any statement on the arrest.
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The suspect at Kawempe Police Station
Sheikh Muhammad Lunanoba, the former president of Juma-Zukuli Muslims, has been arrested for allegedly violating court orders.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed that Kawempe Police Station carried out the arrest. However, he declined to provide further details, initially promising to follow up, but later failing to respond to calls.
Close associates of Sheikh Lunanoba claim in social media videos that his arrest stems from non-compliance with a court order. However, it remains unclear whether additional charges are involved, as the police have yet to issue an official statement.
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 his position.
The petitioners, represented by Lukwago, Matovu & Company Advocates, accused Sheikh Lunanoba and Secretary-General Alhajj Setuba-Malende of unlawfully holding onto their positions.
According to the petitioners, the management committee’s term, which began on November 10, 2001, expired on November 12, 2022. However, the respondents argue that a constitutional amendment extended their term until 2024.
Additionally, the petitioners allege that the officials mismanaged the group's properties, using the proceeds for personal gain rather than for the benefit of the community.
The dispute intensified over a 15-acre piece of land in Mbanda, Butambala, which was allegedly leased to seasonal farmers without benefiting the group. As a result, Justice Musa Ssekaana ordered Sheikh Lunanoba's leadership to step down.
An interim committee was later established to oversee a general assembly, constitutional amendments, and elections for new leaders, a process that has since been completed.
Recently, police 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 mired in controversies.
Kamali. M James
Freelancer