By Ezrah Kashumbusha,
KAMPALA
Uganda Muslim Lawyers Association (UMLAS) have raised concerns over the mismanagement of Muslim properties such as Ssembabule land which icludes the Old Kampala Mosque the muslim headquarters and other muslim properties.
This was revealed by the President of the UMLAS Ali kankaka during their annual dinner in Kampala.
The lawyers also proposed filling a law suit against the buyer and the seller involved in the auction emphasizing need for a thorough evaluation of court orders and assesment presented.
“We must be careful when dealing with Old Kampala,attempting to sell it. Muslims are deeply connected to their faith, and if they feel provoked, they may take matters into their own hands , this would be terrible development for all of us” Kankaka said
He stated that some leaders might be manipulating the situation to suggest selling the property instead of exploring alternative solutions.
“There’s a possibility that an atmosphere is being created around the seizure of the Old Kampala mosque and other properties,making it easier for the government to demand payment and use part of it to compensate these people,As Muslim Lawyers, we need to look beyond the literal interpretation of these court orders and question the motives behind them” Kankaka stated
The lawyers also expressed surprise and deep concern over the denial of an opportunity for the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council to heard in the legal proceedings
“People are planning to sell these properties, but they are trying to manipulate some of us into accepting the threat of loosing the headquarters, so we agree to give up other properties instead.” Kankaka said
He added, “Those involoved in these transactions very well know that the situation would escalate to this point, creating tension and manipulatng the muslim community,”
The lawyers have formed a five member committee to gather information and assess the judgement regarding the Uganda Muslim Supreme Councils and its properties.
