Minah Nalule

The task team actively investigating the murder of Sheikh Mutumba Masudi, 60, the imam of Iwemba Masjid Noor, Iwemba Sub County Bugiri district, has so far arrested 8 suspects of one family, highly connected to the senseless killing.

These include a boda boda rider who transported the killers to and from the murder scene.

Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga confirmed to the press on Monday that police have directed all available resources to the investigation and the task force comprising of Homicide, Busoga east territorial police, Criminal Investigation Directorate – CID headquarters and Flying Squad Unit – FSU have been dispatched to join territorial police in Busoga East to ensure Sheikh Mutumba’s assailants are arrested.

Enanga said police have since identified the lone gunman who is still at large. Police said the Boda Boda rider who transported Mutumba’s killer and another accomplice has already been apprehended.

The preliminary findings of detectives indicate that Mutumba was killed over a land wrangle. The plot to kill Mutumba was allegedly planned at the home of one, Suleiman Koyita also a resident of Busimba village who reportedly had a dispute with Mutumba over land.

The deceased won a civil suit in Bugiri high court, which was appealed in jinja high court and judgment was due to be read on the 20/02/2020.

The suspects already in custody have allegedly indicated in their statements that they knew Mutumba and the victim also knew them. This is the reason why Mutumba rushed to come out of his house when he was called out.

It is alleged that the perpetrators held a meeting in their home and planned the murder well in advance. They hired a boda boda rider who transported the gunman and another.

The lone gunman made his way to the deceased home, called him out, and shot him once to the head killing him instantly.

The Boda boda rider in his statement at Bugiri police has reportedly said the gun wielder quickly jumped onto his bike after killing Mutumba with a single shot.

However, alert messages sent out to various police stations resulted in the interception of the Boda boda rider and the other accomplice before they had gone far.

Police insist the crime was purely an act of vengeance over land. More than 12 Muslim clerics were shot dead between 2012 and 2016 by gunmen moving on motorcycles.