A panel of three Christian justices of the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala on Tuesday sentenced the leader of the Muslim Tabliq sect in Uganda, Sheikh Yunus Kamoga and three others to life imprisonment after they were convicted for terrorism.
Judges, Ezekiel Muhanguzi, Jane Kiggundu and Percy Night Tuhaise presided over one of Uganda’s most sensitive court cases where 6 (six) convicted Muslim clerics “committed terrorism crimes” by printing fliers with the names of those targeted to be killed inscribed on them and distributed in mosques, holding meetings in their homes from where they planned the killings, sending of watsap messages with pictures of graves, coffins, bullets to their rival groups.
Justice Ezekiel Muhaguzi told Tri-weekly newspaper, The Observer that Sheikh Kamoga, Kawooya, Bukenya and Kalungi were handed a severe sentence (life in prison) because they were leaders who should have led by example.
He said, according to the newspaper, that Kakande Yusufu and Sekayaja Abdulsalam walked off with a lesser sentence because they were just followers.
“It is our view that the convicts having been leaders with a big following as confirmed by their lawyers in migration and yet they decided to orchestrate the murder. Although the actual assailants are still unknown, we find it appropriate to sentence them to imprisonment for life, because they are leaders who orchestrated the crime instead of concentrating on preaching peace.” The judges ruled.
The 3 judges are however facing heavy criticism since passing this ruling.
The headline of State aided newspaper, New Vision on Wednesday reads; “Kamoga Jailed for Life. Relatives curse judges.”
It is reported that the convicts relatives and friends outside the court room shed tears, with some of them calling our “Allah” and condemning the judges ostensibly for having convicted and jailed the six accused.
Fred Muwema, the convicts’ lawyer told reporters his clients were found guilty of “technical terrorism” since there was no direct evidence linking them to the crimes. He said the judgement was unjust and that they are to appeal so that it is overturned.
“It is unbelievable that the sentence of life can be handed to our clients who were convicted on just circumstantial evidence. We are going to appeal against both the conviction and sentence… we see no reason why these people should stay in custody..I think the judges failed to reach the right decision.” Fred Muwema told New Vision.
marvin@ugchristiannews.com
