Uganda’s Muslim leadership has rejected claims that Islam permits the kidnapping of people for ransom and the subsequent killing of captives, describing such acts as serious crimes that have no basis in the teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa and Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) National Chairperson Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira condemned video clips circulating on social media in which two convicted individuals, Hajara Nakandi and Abbas Musa Buvvumbo, allegedly linked the 2018 killing of businesswoman Susan Magara to what they portrayed as an Islamic religious obligation.
The two were among nine people convicted by the High Court in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Magara, who was abducted for ransom before she was killed in 2018. Speaking during the burial of Hajjat Rukia Ndibaise in Nakalama, Iganga District, on Friday, Sheikh Waiswa said the suggestion that Islamic teachings sanction kidnapping for ransom and the killing of captives was false and contrary to Islam.
He described the circulation of the videos as “evil and inhumane” and called on authorities to investigate those responsible for distributing them. Sheikh Waiswa said the Mufti’s Office would formally raise the matter with the relevant authorities, particularly because the claims risk associating a serious criminal act with Islam.
He said Islam does not permit Muslims to abduct innocent people, demand ransom or kill captives, stressing that such acts cannot be justified as religious obligations. The Deputy Mufti also warned against attempts to use the alleged confessions to spread hatred against Muslims or create religious divisions in the country. He said the Muslim leadership would continue to promote peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and cooperation among Ugandans.
Prof. Dr. Kisambira similarly questioned the attempt to link the Magara murder to Islam, saying Muslims who commit crimes should be held accountable for their individual actions rather than having their crimes presented as teachings of the 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,” he said.
He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the presentation of the convicted persons during court proceedings, including their appearance in Islamic attire, saying this should not be interpreted as evidence that the crime was religiously motivated. The Muslim leaders’ position is that the protection of human life is a fundamental principle of Islam and that criminal acts cannot be transformed into religious obligations simply because perpetrators claim a religious justification.
They said kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion and murder remain prohibited regardless of the identity or religion of the victim or perpetrator. The remarks were made as the leaders joined mourners at the burial of Hajjat Ndibaise, the 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 described earthly life as temporary and reminded mourners 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 the mourners. The Muslim leadership said it would continue to challenge misrepresentations of Islamic teachings while encouraging Muslims to uphold the principles of justice, protection of life, peaceful coexistence and respect for the law-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
