Tension is mounting in Luweero district following a dispute between rival Muslim factions over slaughter rights. The faction are allied to Sheikh Zubair Kayongo, Kibuli based Mufti and Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda. It all started after Twaha Nsanja, Kadhi Luweero Muslim district appointed seven sheikhs to slaughter animals and issue licenses to Muslims intending to slaughter animals on behalf of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council during the festive season.
Sheikh Yasin Doka, slaughter officer Luweero Muslim District says that they are mandated to oversee the slaughter of animals under Islamic norms. Doka vows to arrest handed over to police whoever will be found slaughtering animals for public consumption in breach of a notice from the ministry of Agriculture that empowers UMSC to over the exercise.
But, the rival faction allied to sheikh Kayongo has also deployed parallel officers at the abattoir to carry out the exercise. The group has vowed to block UMSC officers from accessing the abattoir at all cost. Sheikh Musa Katende, the spokesman of the rival faction told URN that sheikh Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda lost moral authority in the community and they can’t allow them to officiate at the slaughter exercise.
He added that slaughter of animals by Muslims is a religious and constitutional right adding that they will arrest anybody who will interrupt the exercise. The two factions clashed in Zirobwe and Kikyusa sub counties on Wednesday forcing police to intervene to clam down the situation after they failed to agree on who will be in charge of the slaughtering exercise on Christmas.
As a result, Sheikh Yasin Doka has petitioned Samuel Bamuzibire, Luweero District Police Commander to intervene and block Kayongo’s followers from interfering in activities of Uganda Muslim Supreme council. Bamuzibire says that police only recognizes the officials appointed by UMSC because it is the legal Muslim governing body in the country.
He threatens to arrest the rival group for inciting violence. William Ntege, Chairman Luweero Butchers Association says that they will be left with no option to identify any other Muslim to handle the slaughter if the two groups don’t compromise.
