HUNDREDS of Muslims have thronged Kibuli Mosque to mourn the slain Muslim cleric, Sheik Hassan Kirya who was gunned down on Tuesday night by unidentified assailants. Kirya will later in the day be laid to rest at Nkoowe in Wakiso district.

According to Hajji Najib Sonko, Kirya’s death was expected following numerous death threats.

Kawempe North MP, Hajji Latif Ssebaggala sheds tears during prayers for Sheikh Hassan Kirya at Kibuli Mosque, July 01,2015. Photo/Eddie Ssejjoba

Muslims carry the casket of Sheikh Hassan Kirya after prayers at Kibuli Mosque. Kirya was killed on June 30,2015. Photo/Eddie Ssejjoba

A man cries after the body of Sheikh Hassan Kirya arrives at Kibuli Mosque for prayers, July 01,2015. Photo/Eddie Ssejjoba

Sheikh Obedi Kamulegeya, chairman of the College of Sheikhs talks to Muslims during prayers at Kibuli for Sheikh Hassan Kirya who was killed on Tuesday night. Photo/Eddie Ssejjoba

Sonko said he was worried for his life because he has been appearing on a list of Muslims targeted by killers together with Sheikh Kirya.

He said he was given security but he asked Allah that he too can be killed if his time has come. He asked government to beef up security for Muslim leadership.

Other targeted clerics include: Sheikh Haruna Jjemba who survived an attack, Sheikh Umaru Sadiq Ndaula and Sheikh Muhamood Kibaate, the acting Supreme Mufti.

The IGP, Gen. Kale Kayihura addresses Muslims at prayers at Kibuli Mosque for Sheikh Hassan Kirya who was killed on Tuesday night, July 01,2015. Photo/ Eddie Ssejjoba

Prince Nakibinge Kakungulu gestures to the IGP, Gen. Kale Kayihura asking him to answer queries raised by some Muslim leaders at Kibuli during prayers for Sheikh Hassan Kirya who was killed on Tuesday night. The IGP had declined to speak after the second deputy prime minister, Moses Ali, but accepted and apologized for not following protocol, July 01,2015. Photo/ Eddie Ssejjoba

Hajji Najib Ssonko fears for his life after getting similar death threats. He was at Kibuli during prayers for Sheikh Hassan Kirya. Photo/Eddie Ssejjoba

Uganda Muslim Supreme Council mourns

It is with deep sorrow that I share the sad news of the death of Sheikh Hassan Kirya who was murdered yesterday night near Kireka on Jinja Road.

Muslims in Uganda have lost a young and hardworking Sheikh who once served on the UMSC Executive committee.

My prayers and condolences go to the members of his family in particular and the entire Ugandan Muslim fraternity.
May Allah forgive him for his wrong deeds and reward him with paradise.

Innaalillaahi Wainnaa Ilaihi Raajiuuna

Haji Nsereko Mutumba
Public Relations Officer
Uganda Muslim Supreme Council

Children of the late Sheikh Kirya being shown to mourners at Kibuli Mosque. He left behind three wives and four children. They include Muhsin Magala, sharifa Nakate, Yasir Ssesanga and Mariam Nakalembe. Photo/Eddie Ssejjoba

Second deputy premier, Moses Ali and former EC chairman Hajji Aziz Kasujja join in praying for Sheikh Kirya Hassan at Kibuli Mosque, July 01,2015. Photo/Eddie Ssejjoba

Hajji Najib Sonko (right) claims Sheikh Kirya’s death was inevitable and he is now fearing for his own life. Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba