Ahmed Wetaka, Kampala, Uganda

One Muslim was killed and another injured in an attack on a mosque in Kaliro district on January 16.

40-year-old Suleiman Kintu was hacked to death after a group of residents led by Mohamed Munobwa raided a mosque in Namukonge village in Namugongo Sub County, Uganda, during the afternoon prayers accusing them of illegally erecting the mosque on their ancestral land.

The disputed land measures 2 acres. The deceased’s father Kulusein Kintu, who also doubles as the Imam was injured in the attack. He is admitted at Iganga main hospital with deep cuts on the head and back.

Samuel Isiko, the LC I Chairperson of Namukonge village, said the residents have on several occasions accused the Muslims of illegally constructing a mosque on their land. According to Isiko, the same residents demolished a mosque on the same land two years ago and took away the materials including bricks and iron sheets.

Sheikh Sinani Muwanika, the Busoga East Regional Kadhi, who visited the bereaved family, has condemned the attack. He says the aggrieved residents should have taken their matters to the relevant authorities instead of resorting to violence.

Robert Osendu, the Officer in Charge of Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department-CIID Kaliro Central Police Station, said they have opened investigations into the incident. He however, said no arrests have been made as the attackers fled into hiding shortly after the incident.