This archive report was first published on 14 January 2020.
On January 14, 2020, a shocking incident unfolded in Uganda, leaving the Muslim community in Kyampisi, Kayunga District, reeling in disbelief. Imam Sheikh Mohammed Mutumba, a 27-year-old cleric, had unknowingly married a fellow man, identified as Richard Tumushabe, who had been posing as a woman.
The incident came to light when police arrested 'Nabukeera,' as Tumushabe was known, on theft allegations. During a body search by a female police officer, it was discovered that the suspect was actually a man. Tumushabe later revealed to police that his real name was Richard Tumushabe.
Sheikh Mutumba had unknowingly wedded Tumushabe in a Nikah ceremony, a Islamic cultural practice that allows for a simple and informal marriage contract. The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Mutumba's family and friends, but the mosque leadership did not take part in the wedding preparations.
Sheikh Isa Busuulwa, the head Imam of Masjid Noor of Kyampisi, explained that the move to suspend Sheikh Mutumba was intended to preserve the integrity of their faith. 'He has been one of the three Imams of the mosque. He had spent about four years preaching in this mosque on top of teaching Islam to children,' Sheikh Busuulwa said.
Sheikh Mohammed Ssemambo, the chairperson of Namagabi Muslim County, expressed shock over the incident, stating that as a Muslim leader, Sheikh Mutumba should have followed the teachings of the Koran when seeking a spouse.
