National Muslim leaders have rejected claims that Islam permits the kidnapping of people for ransom and the subsequent killing of captives, describing such acts as criminal and contrary to established Islamic teachings.
Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa and Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) National Chairperson Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira condemned the circulation of video clips in which two convicted murderers allegedly claimed that the killing of businesswoman the late Susan Magara was carried out as part of a religious obligation.
The Muslim leaders stressed that criminal acts should not be presented as Islamic teachings and urged the public to rely on authentic Islamic scholarship when seeking clarification on matters of religion.
UMSC Leaders Condemn Alleged Religious Justification
The two, Hajara Nakandi and Abbas Musa Buwembo, were among nine people convicted by the High Court over the 2018 kidnapping and murder of Susan Magara, who had been abducted for ransom.
The Muslim leaders said there is no basis in the Qur’an or authentic Islamic teachings for the claim that Muslims are permitted to kidnap people for ransom or unlawfully kill captives.
Sheikh Waiswa described the alleged religious justification in the circulated videos as false and dangerous, emphasizing that Islam does not sanction kidnapping, extortion or the unlawful killing of innocent people.
Sheikh Waiswa Calls for Investigation Into Circulated Videos
Sheikh Waiswa made the remarks during the burial of Hajjat Rukia Ndibaise, the mother of Dr. Sheikh Hassan Muhammad Mwaita, the UMSC General Assembly representative for Iganga Muslim District, Deputy Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of Busoga and a director of Ibn Baaz Islamic Schools.
Hajjat Ndibaise was buried on Friday evening, August 7, 2026, at Nakalama Trading Centre in Iganga Muslim District.
Sheikh Waiswa said the Mufti’s Office was preparing a protest to the relevant authorities over the circulation of the videos and questioned the motives of those responsible for spreading them.
He urged authorities to investigate the origin and circulation of the clips, warning that their continued dissemination could undermine religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and harmony in Uganda.
“The Mufti’s Office is soon writing a protest letter to the authorities questioning the motives of those behind the circulation of the videos.”
Sheikh Waiswa also said Muslim leaders would offer special prayers asking Allah to expose those responsible for attempts to spread hatred and undermine religious harmony.
Prof. Kisambira Rejects Attempts to Link Crime to Islam
UMSC National Chairperson Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira similarly condemned attempts to associate the murder of Susan Magara with Islam.
He noted that Muslims, like people of other faiths, can commit crimes, but criminal conduct should not be presented as an expression or requirement of Islamic teaching.
Prof. Kisambira also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the presentation of the convicted suspects, including their appearance in what he described as new Islamic attire when they received their sentences.
He called for the relevant authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the matter.
Islamic Teachings Do Not Permit Kidnapping for Ransom
The Muslim leaders emphasized that Islamic teachings concerning captives and warfare cannot be used to justify the criminal kidnapping of civilians for financial gain or the unlawful killing of captives.
Islamic teachings uphold justice, the protection of innocent life and humane treatment of captives.
References to the release or ransom of captives within the context of legitimate warfare are governed by specific Islamic legal and ethical principles and cannot be equated with criminal kidnapping carried out for profit.
The leaders therefore cautioned Muslims and the wider public against accepting statements made by convicted criminals as authoritative representations of Islamic theology, particularly where such claims contradict established Islamic teachings.
Muslim Leaders Urge Religious Tolerance
The message was reinforced by Dr. Sheikh Hussein Muhammad Bbowa, the Busoga Regional Assistant to the Mufti, and Sheikh Sinan Muwanika, the Kadhi of Iganga Muslim District, who also addressed mourners during Hajjat Ndibaise’s burial.
The clerics reminded Muslims of the temporary nature of earthly life and the Islamic obligation to live righteously and prepare for accountability before Allah.
They urged the faithful to avoid wrongdoing, uphold good character and strive to live in a manner that earns Allah’s pleasure.
Hajjat Rukia Ndibaise Remembered for Her Contribution to Family
Hajjat Ndibaise was remembered as a woman who dedicated herself to raising and educating her children following the death of her husband.
Her burial brought together Muslim leaders, scholars, religious officials, political and cultural leaders, institutional heads and members of the wider community.
Muslim Leaders Attend Hajjat Ndibaise’s Burial
The burial was attended by Second Deputy Mufti Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, who led the funeral prayers.
Other attendees included UMSC national executive members, General Assembly representatives, members of the Majlis Al-Ulama, Kadhis from the Busoga and Eastern Muslim regions, prominent sheikhs, cultural and political leaders, institutional heads and students.
The Muslim leadership reiterated the importance of protecting the integrity of Islamic teachings and promoting peaceful coexistence among Uganda’s religious communities.
About UMSC
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) is the national umbrella body representing Muslims in Uganda and coordinates Islamic religious, educational, social and development activities across the country.