Uganda’s Muslim leadership has rejected claims that Islam permits the kidnapping of people for ransom and the killing of captives, saying such acts are serious crimes with no basis in the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.
Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa and Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) National Chairperson Prof Dr Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira were responding to video clips circulating on social media in which two convicted individuals allegedly linked the 2018 kidnapping and murder of businesswoman Susan Magara to what they portrayed as an Islamic religious obligation.
Hajara Nakandi and Abbas Musa Buvvumbo were among nine people convicted by the High Court in connection with Magara’s kidnapping and murder. Magara was abducted for ransom in 2018 and later killed.
Speaking on Friday during the burial of Hajjat Rukia Ndibaise in Nakalama, Iganga District, Sheikh Waiswa said the suggestion that Islam sanctions kidnapping for ransom and the killing of captives was false.
“Islam does not permit Muslims to abduct innocent people, demand ransom or kill captives,” Sheikh Waiswa said, describing the claims as “evil and inhumane”.
He called on authorities to investigate those responsible for circulating the videos, saying the claims risk associating serious criminal acts with Islam.
Sheikh Waiswa said the Mufti’s Office would formally raise the matter with relevant authorities.
He also cautioned against using the allegations to fuel hatred against Muslims or deepen religious divisions, saying Muslim leaders would continue promoting peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and cooperation among Ugandans.
Prof. Kisambira similarly rejected attempts to associate the Magara murder with Islam, saying criminal responsibility should remain with individuals who commit crimes rather than being attributed to an entire religion.
“We are not denying that Muslims commit crimes, but the way this high-profile murder case is being linked to the Islamic faith raises many questions,” Prof. Kisambira said.
He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the appearance of the convicted persons during court proceedings, including their wearing of Islamic attire, saying this should not be interpreted as evidence that the crime was religiously motivated.
The Muslim leaders said protection of human life is a fundamental principle of Islam and that criminal acts cannot become religious obligations simply because perpetrators claim religious justification.
They said kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion and murder are prohibited regardless of the religion of the victim or perpetrator.
The remarks were made as the Muslim leaders joined mourners at the burial of Hajjat Ndibaise, mother of Dr Sheikh Hassan Muhammad Mwaita, a member of the UMSC General Assembly representing Iganga Muslim District, Deputy Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of Busoga and one of the directors of Ibn Baaz Islamic Schools.
Dr Sheikh Hussein Muhammad Bbowa, the Busoga Regional Assistant to the Mufti, and Sheikh Sinan Muwanika, the Iganga Muslim District Kadhi, also urged Muslims to uphold righteousness and prepare for death.
They reminded mourners that earthly life is temporary and that every person will ultimately return to their Creator.
“Let every one of you know that death is inevitable. Therefore, live prepared to meet your Creator at any moment and strive to earn His pleasure,” the leaders told mourners.
The Muslim leadership said it would continue to challenge what it described as misrepresentations of Islamic teachings while encouraging Muslims to uphold justice, protection of life, peaceful coexistence and respect for the law.