KAMPALA – After spending almost 3 years in jail over charges of murder, the jailed deputy Amir of the Tabliq Muslim section Sheikh Yahaya Ramathan Mwanjje has been released on bail pending the hearing of his case.
Sheikh Mwanjje is facing charges of murder of a fellow sheikh and a UPDF Major Muhammad Kiggundu together with his bodyguard Private Stephen Mukasa on November 26, 2016, at Masanafu trading centre in Lubaga division.
There has been tears of joy as Sheihk Mwanjje re-united with his family that had lost hope of seeing him again.
While granting him bail, Justice Duncan Gaswaga of the International Crimes Division of the High court considered that Sheikh Mwanjje has a fixed place of abode at Makindye division, substantial sureties who will ensure his return to court for trial and the fact that he has been incarcerated for 3 years without any certainty of when trial will begin
The judge noted that the continued detention of Sheikh Mwanjje infringes on his fundamental rights.
Court granted Sheikh Mwanjje a non-cash bail of UGX20 million while his 4 sureties have been each ordered to execute a UGX10 million bond to ensure that they compel him to report back to court.
Even though the court has ruled that there is no proof brought by prosecution that Sheikh Mwajje will interfere with its undisclosed witnesses, the Sheikh has been forbidden from preaching while making statements that are deemed to incite other Muslims to engage in unbecoming behaviour and instead warned to always be humble and disciplined to co-operative with security agencies who might approach him in respect to this case .
Mwanjje is also to report to court every Tuesday of every month until he receives further orders from the court.
Sheikh Mwanjje is jointly charged with 8 other people including; 2 boda-boda riders from Nsangi stage; Muhammad Buyondo and Abdul Wahaab Ssendegeya, Musa Ssekandi and Yusuf Nyanzi among others.
They face 4 counts among which is murder, aiding and abetting Terrorism and confessing to belonging to a terrorist group ADF between years; 2010 and 2017.
Prosecution states that the 8 who are already committed for trial before the International Crimes Division court conspired to shoot dead Maj. Kiggundu and Sgt. Mukasa on the morning of 26th/November 2016 at Masanafu trading centre on top of rendering support inform of recruitment, training and Finance to the ADF.
