A court in Uganda Monday acquitted Muslim leader Mufti Sheik Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje and two others, accused of fraudulently selling properties belonging to the Islamic faith he heads. Following the ruling, jubilant faithfuls celebrated in Kampala as critics remained defiant and planned demonstrations, but anti-riot policemen were put on alert around the strategic areas of the city. Sheikh Mubajje, Dr. Edris Kasenene, the Ugandan Muslim Supreme Council secretary-general and vice-chairman Hassan Basajjabalaba were accused of fraudulent disposal of Muslim properties, forgery and conspiracy to commit an offence. The property the officials allegedly sold is worth 1 billion (US$ 500,000). They were sued about two years ago by a section of the Muslims organisation which led to the creation of two factions. The long-awaited verdict will be a landmark in the history of Islam in the world as the Islamic leaders in Uganda appeared before a female judge through out the over one-year-long trial.
