Ugandan Muslim lawyers condemn social media video linking Magara murder convicts to Islamic teachings

The Uganda Muslim Lawyers’ Association (UMLAS) has strongly condemned a viral video circulating on social media showing one of the convicts in the high-profile Susan Magara murder case citing Islamic teachings to justify their crimes.

The statement, issued on Sunday by UMLAS President Ssemambo Rashid, follows the 3 August judgment by the High Court of Uganda Criminal Division, which found nine individuals guilty of kidnapping for ransom and murder.

The court, presided over by Hon. Justice Alex Mackay Ajiji, convicted Lubega Yusuf, Wasswa Hussein, Ssali Muzamumiru, Nakandi Hajara, Kisalita Muhammad, Kyewolwa Abubaker, Kato Hassan Miiro, Bukenya Ismail, and Buvumbo Musa Abbas following an extensive trial.

Shortly after the 84-page verdict was delivered, a video recording began circulating across platforms including X, TikTok, and WhatsApp.

In the clip, one of the convicts, being interrogated on camera by apparent security personnel, claimed their actions were motivated by and aligned with the teachings of the Holy Quran.

In its official response, UMLAS rejected the claims made in the video, stating that the convicts’ assertions have no foundation in Islamic law or the Holy Quran, and emphasizing that the individuals involved do not speak for the Muslim community.

“Islam unequivocally condemns the taking of innocent lives,” the association said, pointing to Quranic verse 5:32, which equates the killing of an innocent person to killing all of humanity.

The legal body expressed deep concern over the timing and dissemination of the recording post-judgment, noting that the trial court reached its verdict strictly on the basis of direct and corroborative evidence, with no reference to religious motivation.

UMLAS warned that the spread of such footage fuels Islamophobia, misrepresents the faith to the public, and risks inciting hatred against Uganda’s Muslim population of over 10 million.

“If such false statements and dangerous narratives that misrepresent the image of Islam are left unchecked, they perpetuate hatred and pose a threat to a population of over 10 million Ugandan Muslims who live in peace and harmony with fellow Ugandans from other faiths,” the statement read.

The association called on Ugandan security agencies to launch a full investigation into how the interrogation video was recorded and leaked, urging the public to resist narratives that sow religious division and religious radicalization.