Arua’s new 1,200-seater mosque opens to the public

By Ahmed Idriss

In a significant development for the local Muslim community, Turkish philanthropists have officially handed over Masjid Tawfik, a 1,200-seater mosque, to the Mulsim leadership in Arua city. Situated in Ezova cell, Pajulu, Ayivu West, the mosque was constructed at a cost of over Shs 500 million, initiated through local efforts and completed with support from Turkish benefactors. The mosque boasts modern facilities, including advanced lighting and sound systems, as well as well-maintained washrooms.

During the inauguration, which took place on Friday, December 27, 2024, Sheikh Adam Twalib, Amir of the Da’awa Movement in Arua, spoke on behalf of the donors, underscored the importance of enhancing infrastructure to deliver essential social services, pointing out that rural parts of Arua remain underdeveloped and require more comprehensive support from Muslim leaders.
He highlighted the mosque’s significance as the first major project benefiting the Arua area under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). He urged the mosque committee to integrate Da’awa programs into their activities.

The mosque was built on land generously donated by Hajj Abdu Rajab Moro, locally known as Haji Bizu.
Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Qaasim Amin, the Arua Deputy District Kadhi, stressed the importance of collective efforts to strengthen unity in the Muslim community. He dispelled rumours that the mosque committee had been dissolved, saying that no meeting had been convened to discuss the matter. He further clarified that the interim committee is the official governing body of the mosque, pending their swearing-in and induction by the Arua Muslim district leadership.

Swadik Alemi Angupale, the Arua Deputy Resident City Commissioner, urged the Muslim community to focus on building additional infrastructure, such as tertiary institutions and health facilities, to enhance the overall well-being of the community.

He encouraged Muslims to embrace the government’s anti-poverty initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga to uplift both their physical and spiritual lives.

Abdallah Drasiku, the mosque chairman, expressed gratitude for the mosque’s impressive construction but also highlighted the need for further development, including a madrasa and an Imam’s residence. He called for unity within the community, urging residents to move past previous disagreements to cultivate a spirit of cooperation.