The police have suspended 13 of their officers following a controversial raid on the residence of Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga in Kampala.
The joint security team from Crime Intelligence (CI) and Chieftaincy of Crime Intelligence (CMI) conducted the raid on June 2, claiming that Sheikh Kamoga had unlawfully confined over 40 individuals.
CCTV camera footage revealed that the raiders jumped over the fence, forcibly entered Sheikh Kamoga’s bedroom, and subjected innocent people to physical assault.
Videos circulating on social media showed the suspects being beaten and kicked despite offering no resistance.
The security forces alleged that Sheikh Kamoga was training a youth group on Sharia Law at what was referred to as the Tula Rehabilitation center.
However, the police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, announced that 13 officers involved in the raid have been suspended and are under investigation by the Police Professional Standards Unit.
Enanga also stated that an ongoing investigation is being conducted into the detention of the 45 youth found at Sheikh Kamoga’s residence. So far, 17 of them have been successfully reunited with their families. Sheikh Kamoga has been summoned by the police in relation to the incident.
Reassuring the Muslim community, Enanga emphasized that the police are not targeting any specific sect and affirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens.
The Uganda Muslim Lawyer’s Association (UMLAS) condemned the raid and threatened to petition the Uganda Human Rights Council in response to the incident.