Members of the Uganda Parliamentary Muslim Caucus have called for an investigation into the circulation of a video linked to the Susan Magara murder case, warning that its contents could unfairly associate the crime with Islam and fuel religious tensions.
The legislators raised concern after footage involving convicts in the murder case circulated widely on social media over the weekend.
According to the MPs, the recording contains statements in which the convicts claim they committed the crime while working for Islam and allegedly used ransom money obtained from Magara's family to promote the religion.
The Muslim legislators strongly rejected any attempt to associate the murder with the Islamic faith, stressing that criminal acts committed by individuals should not be attributed to an entire religion.
MPs Reject Link Between Murder and Islam
Addressing journalists at Parliament on Monday, Uganda Parliamentary Muslim Caucus chairperson MP Hassan Kirumira described the circulation of the footage as unacceptable and potentially damaging to relations between religious communities.
“Islam is a religion of peace. It does not and will never condone killing. To link this criminal act to our faith is malicious and deliberate,” Kirumira said.
The caucus said the actions of individuals convicted of criminal offences should not be used to portray Muslims or Islam as supporting violence.
The MPs expressed concern that allowing such a narrative to spread unchecked could create misconceptions about the Muslim community and potentially heighten religious tensions.
MPs Question Islamic Attire Worn by Convicts
The legislators also questioned why the convicts appeared in Islamic clothing, including kanzus and turbans, when they appeared in court for sentencing.
Kirumira said the caucus wants clarity on the circumstances surrounding their appearance.
“Why were they dressed in Muslim attire before court? This was intended to create a false impression that the crime was committed in the name of Islam. We reject that narrative,” he said.
The caucus argued that presenting the convicts in clothing strongly associated with Islam, alongside the statements contained in the video, risked creating an unfair association between the religion and the crime.
Questions Raised Over Video Leak
The MPs also want authorities to establish how the footage reached social media.
MP Abdallah Kiwanuka questioned whether the recording formed part of court material and, if so, how it became publicly available.
“This footage is supposed to be in the custody of court. Who leaked it and for what purpose? We demand answers,” Kiwanuka said.
The caucus called upon the government and relevant authorities to investigate the origin of the circulating footage, determine who released it and establish whether any laws or procedures were violated.
The legislators said identifying the circumstances surrounding its release would also help address speculation about the motive behind its circulation.
Caucus Wants UCC to Act
The Muslim MPs have also asked the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to intervene over the continued circulation of the material online.
MP Bumali Mpindi called for swift action to prevent further dissemination of content the caucus believes could provoke religious tensions.
“We ask UCC to act swiftly and remove this material. It is inciting and it is an attack on a faith that preaches peace,” Mpindi said.
The legislators maintained that their objection is not to the prosecution or punishment of individuals responsible for criminal acts, but to what they see as an attempt to associate those crimes with the wider Muslim community.
Muslims Urged to Remain Calm
Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende urged Muslims across Uganda to remain calm while the relevant authorities address the concerns raised by the caucus.
“Do not be provoked. Our religion teaches forgiveness and justice. Let the law take its course,” Malende said.
The caucus called for restraint and urged members of the Muslim community not to respond to the video's circulation in ways that could increase tensions.
Other legislators who attended the press conference included Abdallah Kiwanuka, Zahara Luyirika and Hakim Kiiza.
The MPs said they now want authorities to establish the source of the footage, how it entered the public domain and whether its circulation was intended to create a misleading connection between the Susan Magara murder case and Islam.
