The Uganda Police Force (UPF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have both distanced themselves from the recent arrest of Sheikh Twaha Kakande, Imam of Taquwah Mosque in Kisenyi-Mengo, a Kampala suburb.
Sheikh Kakande was reportedly abducted by plain-clothed, armed men on Friday, October 18, 2024, using a minivan, commonly referred to as a “drone.” He was at his shop, preparing to attend Friday prayers when the incident occurred.
CCTV footage seen by this publication shows three unidentified men entering Sheikh Kakande’s merchandise shop, located at the entrance of the mosque. They seized his mobile phones, escorted him outside, and forced him into a waiting van, which then sped off to an unknown destination.
According to an eyewitness who requested anonymity, the abduction appeared well-coordinated. The van had parked at a distance from the mosque, and one of Sheikh Kakande’s assistants was tricked into approaching it.
“Someone called my colleague, who runs a sweet potato business near Gwanda Taxi Park, pretending to be a customer,” the eyewitness explained. “He rushed to meet the person, but upon reaching the van, armed men seized him. My colleague had no choice but to lead them to the shop where Sheikh Kakande was preparing for prayers. They took the Sheikh away, and we still don’t know his whereabouts.”
Muhudi Kiyoola, a local councillor, expressed concern over the disappearance of Sheikh Kakande, describing him as a respected community leader. “Sheikh Kakande is our leader and a good man. He was taken from his shop without explanation. We’re unaware of the reasons for his arrest or his current location,” said Kiyoola. He condemned what he described as the targeting of Muslim leaders on alleged connections to rebel and terrorist groups.
Other members of Masjid Taquwah Kisenyi-Mengo confirmed the disappearance of their leader but were reluctant to speak publicly, citing the sensitive nature of the situation.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango declined to comment on Sheikh Kakande’s disappearance, noting that no formal report had been filed with the police by the family.
However, Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke clarified that Sheikh Kakande is not in police custody and no police cells have reported his presence.
“No police cells have acknowledged his presence; I think they should try to find out with the army,” Rusoke suggested.
The Army Spokesperson, Brigadier General Felix Kulaigye, was unavailable for comment, and Deputy Spokesperson Col. Deo Akiiki, who is currently off-duty, stated that the UPDF does not comment on allegations without further substantiation.
Sheikh Kakande’s disappearance has raised concerns among his followers and the wider community.
He is one of several Muslim leaders who have been arrested recently under unclear circumstances. Last month, Sheikh Fahad Ssozi was similarly apprehended in Bulenga town, and his whereabouts also remain unknown.
