In a significant legal development, High Court Judge Mussa Ssekaana has granted a temporary injunction halting the suspension of Mwerinde Abdul Karim from his role as Imam of Bunamwaya Central Masjid.
The injunction will remain in effect until the court reaches a final determination on the substantive case brought by Mwerinde.
Mwerinde, who has served as Imam for 12 years, is challenging his suspension by the Masjid’s Executive Committee.
He contends that his suspension and subsequent termination were carried out without proper procedure and in violation of the Masjid’s governing documents.
According to Mwerinde, the decision was made without a fair hearing and ignored the Masjid’s Articles of Association.
The legal dispute began when Mwerinde was suspended for 60 days in October 2023, a decision he claims was made irregularly.
Although he resumed his duties in December 2023, he faced further issues in March 2024 when he was blocked from speaking to the congregation due to alleged lack of clearance from the Executive Committee.
By mid-March, the Executive Committee had formally terminated his position.Justice Ssekaana ruled that Mwerinde presented a prima facie case, indicating that serious legal questions about the management of the Masjid need to be addressed through a full trial.
The judge highlighted that the case involves issues beyond a simple employment dispute, noting the significant impact on the community and the purpose of the Masjid.In response, the respondents argue that the position of the Imam is not explicitly institutionalized within their Memorandum and Articles, suggesting that it functions as a regular employment role subject to termination.
They also maintain that the Executive Committee has the authority to manage staffing and operational matters as per their governing documents.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of fair procedural practices in organizational management and the potential impact of leadership disputes on community projects.
The case continues to unfold, with the court expected to delve deeper into these issues to ensure that justice is served for all parties involved.E
