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Abstract
The history of the Salaf movement in Uganda has been juxtaposed between acceptance and rejection by the general public. One profound feature of this relationship has been the pejorative public labelling of the Salaf to define their beliefs, actions and behavior. Whereas stereotyping the Salaf with tags such as Bannalukalala (militants) and Balulevu (the bearded) is usually regarded as unpremeditated talk, it has been crucial in shaping the movement’s history. I attempt to explore the nature of stereotypes attributed to Salafism, why stereotypical nomenclature is used to describe the movement and whether this depicts societal perception, disapproval, or detestation of Salafi activism. Stereotyping the Salaf could have fomented a unique group identity, bolstered in-group solidarity and tenacity in morphing itself into a formidable movement. Conversely, it could have adversely affected the esteem of some Salaf adherents, leading to backtracking in their activism. I also ignite a debate on the possibility that stereotypes used in public spaces such as markets places, mosques, theatre and the streets, may have influenced State perception and response to Salaf activism. This creates a need to establish a link between academic work, public-talk and the lessons that can be drawn from the confluence of the two worlds. in-group homogeneity out-group homogeneity