Ugandan opposition leader and President of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has strongly criticized a recent security raid at the residence of Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga. The raid, carried out by security operatives from the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and Crime Intelligence, has raised concerns, particularly among the Muslim community.
The incident occurred in Tula zone, Kawempe Division, Kampala, where Sheikh Kamoga serves as the head of Jumiat Dawa Al Salafiya at Nakasero Mosque. The security operatives reportedly conducted arrests following complaints from relatives of individuals who had been confined at the Sheikh’s home, prompting them to file missing persons reports with the police.
Bobi Wine voiced his dismay over the ongoing persecution of Muslims under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni. In a brief statement, he expressed his concern, stating, “This is how security operatives raided the home of Amir Ummah Sheikh Yunus Kamoga. They brutalized his people and stole some items like they always do.” Bobi Wine further emphasized that instead of resorting to violence and torture, individuals accused of committing offenses should be lawfully arrested and presented before a court of law.
Sheikh Kamoga has asserted that the confined individuals were undergoing rehabilitation and Qur’an training, contrary to allegations of involvement in extremism. Bobi Wine extended his heartfelt sympathies to Sheikh Kamoga and the entire Muslim fraternity, assuring them of his solidarity. He emphasized his belief that one day, all citizens, including Muslims, would live in Uganda without fear.
Fred Enanga, the joint security spokesperson, addressed the raid during a press briefing, explaining that it was prompted by reports of “unlawful confinement” received from concerned members of the public. Enanga stated, “During our investigation, we managed to end up in the home of Sheikh Yunus Kamoga in Kawempe. We continue to investigate the alleged unlawful confinement of youths and adults who were 32 in number found at Sheikh Kamoga’s home, where they were secretly teaching them the Islamic sharia law.”
Enanga further elaborated that the raid was initiated after a mother of one of the confined individuals, Barrack Mukiibi, a student at St. Lawrence London College, reported the situation to the police. Mukiibi had contacted his mother, requesting her to withdraw him from the training in Kawempe and return him to school, which raised suspicions. Subsequently, the mother informed the police about the matter.
According to Enanga, the security team discovered several individuals confined unlawfully at Sheikh Kamoga’s residence. The individuals ranged in age from 14 to 28, and Kamoga stands accused of confining a total of 40 people.
The incident has drawn attention to concerns about human rights violations and the treatment of religious minorities in Uganda. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will handle the arrests and whether due legal process will be followed.
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