Imam shocked to 'discover his new bride is a man'
A muslim leader has reportedly been suspended after it was revealed he had unknowingly wedded a man, prompting an investigation.
The Imam of Kyampisi Masjid Noor mosque in Uganda, Sheikh Mohammed Mutumba, married Swabullah Nabukeera two weeks ago in a formal ceremony.
The newlyweds spent the following weeks living together, with Sheikh Mutumba completely oblivious his bride was actually a male, the Daily Monitor has reported.
The truth was reportedly exposed when police arrested Nabukeera, who’s actual name is Richard Tumushabe, on theft allegations and a female police officer conducted a body search.
Tumushabe dressed in a gomesi or hijab, and refused to undress while he slept with the Imam, according to mosque bilal Amisi Kibunga, who planned to counsel the newlyweds until he heard of the arrest, the Daily Monitor reported.
Since the news broke, Sheikh Mutumba has been placed under investigation and suspended from his clerical duties, which the head of the mosque, Sheikh Isa Busuulwa, said was to “preserve the integrity of their faith”.
A source told the Daily Monitor Sheikh Mutumba had not been seen in four days and is devastated by the ordeal.
On Wednesday, Tumushabe was charged with two counts of theft and an “unnatural offence”, the Daily Monitor said, adding Sheikh Mutumba was not there.
“It is true I did something wrong and I regret it, but my current condition forced me to do it,” Tumushabe said to reporters before court, according to the Daily Monitor.
“It wasn't my intention to hurt anyone but I was forced to do what I did because of the harsh conditions I've been going through.”
Tumushabe also said men would approach he and his friends on the streets in Kampala and he would sleep with them in exchange for money because he didn’t have a job.
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