Ugandan Muslims condemn extrajudicial killings by security forces

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Muslims in Uganda on Friday condemned the extrajudicial killing of members of that community by security organizations.

Five Muslims, including a cleric, Abbas Kirevu, were killed in the last three days under the pretext that they were resisting.

Addressing reporters about the security situation after twin bombings Tuesday in Kampala where six people were killed, police spokesman Fred Enanga said police killed four Muslims who were trying to enter Uganda from the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Ntoroko district.

He said they killed the cleric on the outskirts of Kampala because he resisted arrest. He said police received information that he was responsible for recruiting and training suicide bombers.

Dr. Muhammad Kigundu, a spokesman for Muslims based at the Kibuli mosque near Kampala, said it was unfortunate that Muslims are being killed extrajudicially.

“Police should try to exhibit professionalism while doing their duties,” he said. “Why kill someone without a gun during his arrest?”

He said that as leaders they do not support anyone involved in rebel activities or killing innocent people through blasting bombs but they want all suspects arrested and taken to courts of law.

“The way police act while arresting suspected terrorists make them also look like terrorists. Please change and stop killing suspects. You should restrain from using excessive force while arresting suspects,” he said.

Kigundu said that witnesses have indicated that police kill suspects while they are handcuffed and not resisting.

But the police spokesman insisted that authorities only shoot those who resist arrest.