Uamsho

Uamsho (The Awakening, Full name: The Association for Islamic Mobilisation and Propagation) is an Islamist separatist group in Zanzibar. Led by Farid Hadi Ahmed, Uamsho seeks independence for Zanzibar from Tanzania, and advocates policies such as restrictions on alcohol consumption and implementing a conservative dress code for foreign tourists visiting the island.

Uamsho was officially registered as JUMIKI (Jumuiya ya Uamsho na mihadhara ya kiislam in Swahili language) in 2001 with the Registration no.149 under the Zanzibar government Society Act Number 6 of 1995 concerning the registration of civil society organization (Non Governmental Organisation) But the name Uamsho has become more popular than its original name. Uamsho's constitution declares its aim of returning Zanzibar to being a center of Islamic learning, applying Islamic law, and that Zanzibar has full autonomy rather than remain under the umbrella of the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

The group is formed by the following leadership

Uamsho has been criticized for failing to stick to its purpose as registered and instead has turned into a political group questioning Zanzibar's place in Tanzania. Uamsho has been accused of no longer being a purely religious movement, but has been manipulated to fulfil political ambitions. Uamsho has called for a referendum on Zanzibar's exit from the United Republic of Tanzania.

In April 2012 the governments of Tanzania and Zanzibar intervened and stopped all meetings, demonstrations, gatherings or lectures until further notice. The group continued to conduct lectures claiming to be exercising it's freedom of speech. Several clashes between Uamsho members and the field force unit have been reported including the burning of churches in the Zanzibar island of Unguja.

On 25 December 2012 the Rev. Ambrose Mkenda was injured as he arrived home in Tomondo, about four miles from Zanzibar City. The incident was linked to UAMSHO but no evidence has been found so far.

Among the people who have criticized the movement was Zanzibar President Dr. Shein and the Tanzanian Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda. Pinda expressed concern over the activities of Uamsho. Mr Pinda told the National Assembly that the organisation was legally registered as a non-governmental organization in Zanzibar and at the beginning operated well. "Unfortunately the NGO has of late lost direction and is propagating hatred among the people in Zanzibar. Authorities in Zanzibar are dealing with all trouble makers"

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