The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has blamed the Muslims for using a violence while rescuing Nakasero Mosque land saying the rule of law should prevail.While speaking to senior religious leaders at Old Kampala, Sheikh Mubaje asked the government to intervene into the mosque dispute before the two parties clash again.
"Why should Muslims always fight each other instead of following the law? If we continue to be violent the public can easily link us to terrorism acts," said Mufti Mubaje adding, "What you have seen regarding the mosque grabbing should not be entertained, the government should come in to ensure that there is law and order."
The beset former leader of Nakasero mosque, Sheikh Sulaiman Kakeeto surfaced at Old Kampala Mosque earlier but did not attend the religious leaders workshop.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Kakeeto is at liberty to attend prayers at the mosque but will have no powers, the mosque's new management declared on Friday
Speaking at the disputed mosque, Sheikh Yunus Kamoga, the new leader of the Tabliq Muslims in Uganda, said Sheikh Kakeeto had completely abused the trust Muslims had placed in him.
"He (Sheikh Kakeeto) is free to come for prayers like any other worshipper but will not handle any managerial issues as it was before, He misused his authority by disposing of the mosque and we can't trust him anymore," he said amid chants of Allah Akbar!
The mosque, which has been headed by Sheikh Kakeeto since 1994 is currently in the hands of Muslim youth vigilantes.
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Nakasero Mosque was the center of ugly scenes on Wednesday night when two Muslim warring factions - one for and another against the redevelopment of the mosque - fought with each other.
This followed plans by the developer to raze the temporally [sic] shelter at the mosque and put up a shopping mall. In the fracas that ensued, two excavators being used to pull down the structures were set ablaze by angry Muslim youth. Police have maintained a presence at the mosque avert any further clashes.