Kampala — POLICE in Gulu are investigating an Imam over alleged molestation of young Muslim girls.

Imam Abdul Rahman Swabi of Jamiah Mosque, is alleged to have molested young girls at the mosque.

The Acholi Kadhi, Sheik Musa Khelil has immediately suspended Mr Swabi indefinitely pending the outcome of police investigations.

The investigation and suspension of Mr Swabi follow several complaints by Muslim women in Gulu town that the Imam has been sexually harassing young female converts.

"We heard the testimonies of the girls and decided to suspend him until further notice," Mr Khelil told Daily Monitor in an interview.

"We referred his case to the police because it's criminal," he said. Northern region police commander, Arinaitwe Katureebe confirmed to Daily Monitor that police was investigating Mr Swabi over claims of molestation.

"We received several claims from young Muslim girls that Imam Swabi has been molesting them. We are investigating him," Arinatwe told Daily Monitor in an interview yesterday.

"The matter is being handled by the CID department. We are trying to get evidence to pin him down,"

The chairperson of Gulu Muslim women group Sahima Amir alleged that Mr Swabi has been molesting and having sex with young girls below 18-years who live in and around Gulu Mosque.

"This man is sexually harassing new female Muslim converts who live and sleep in the Mosque," Ms Amir told Daily Monitor.

Efforts by Daily Monitor to get a comment from Mr Swabi were futile as his whereabouts were not known by press time.

Ms Amir said at the time women Muslins sought help from Sheik Musa Khelil.

However, Mr Swabi and his rowdy group threatened to throw out Sheikh Khelil from office.

One of the victims, who is accusing the Imam of sexually harassing her, said at one time after 4.00am prayers, Swabi called her to the bathroom claiming he wanted her to help him rub herbs on his back.

But when she went to help him, Mr Swabi instead wanted her to play with his male organ and suck her breasts.

Ms Amir who says they have endured a lot from Mr Swabi said since the Sheikh has failed to solve their problem and the police have not been of much help, she calls upon the Mufti of Uganda as well as other Muslim leaders in the world to help solve the problem.

Ms Amir said the Muslim women are worried about their daughters taking Quran lessons from the mosque since it is the Imam who usually instructs them.

She said when Mr Swabi was questioned on his acts, he allegedly said he wanted a second wife.