Bamusedde Bwambale, the Masaka RDC has convened a security meeting to discuss the decision by Masaka Muslim faction leaders to close their mosques, days before the elections.
On Friday all mosques will remain closed as Muslims head to the polls to elect their leaders. The elections, organized by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council based in Old Kampala, are also meant to elect members to the general assembly.
Although the elections are expected to take place on April 27, this week, Masaka district Muslim council has ordered for the closure of all mosques. The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Constitution gazettes Mosques as polling centers for Muslim elections.
But Sheikh Ismail Musisi, the Chairperson Masaka district Muslim Council which is loyal to Kabuli faction says over 200 mosques in the district which are loyal to their leadership have been closed for elections. Sheikh Musisi says the Masaka district Muslim council executive ordered the closure of these mosques to stop Muslims from taking part in the elections.
Some of the affected Mosques are in Masaka Municipality which include central mosque along Edward Avenue, Nyendo mosque, Williams Theater Mosque, Villa Road Mosque, Kimanya Noor Mosque.
Musisi says these Mosques are only opened during prayers, but elections will not be allowed to be conducted there.
Mosque Closure Breeds Confusion
The closure of these Mosques has bred confusion and fresh controversy casting doubt on whether the elections will take place. Sheikh Huzairu Kiruuta, the Masaka district kadhi who is overseeing the elections in Masaka district declined to comment on the decision by his rival to order for closure of mosques for elections. He has also declined to comment on how many mosques registered to take part in the elections.
Bamusedde Bwambale, the Masaka RDC has summoned all security agencies for a crisis meeting at his offices to find a way forward. Bwambale says the security meeting also plans to summon the rival Muslim leaders in Masaka to discuss the way forward.
Bwambale says he is also aware of the closure of the Mosques but says the security meeting will vote on what action to take against the closure.
Bwambale says President MusevenI has already pronounced himself on the matter approving the elections but wonders why the Muslims are still divided over the elections.
Badri Mujjuzi, a Masaka Muslim has criticized the decision by Muslim leaders to close the mosques. Mujjuzi says he is ready to participate in the election because they are constitutionally accepted but the decision to close the mosques has left him confused.
Golooba Ali, another Muslim in Masaka says the wrangling between Mufti Shabban Mubajje and Supreme Mufti Kayongo has left him confused and seems undecided on who he should give his support.
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Last month, Masaka Muslim faction leaders led by Sheikh Yasin Kakoma, a member of a rival faction in Masaka claimed that they had mobilized over 3000 special group to deal with whoever dares to participate in the elections.
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