Katale-Bukwenda Muslims seek sh1.2b for stalled mosque project

By Abdul Wahid Kakande

The Muslim community at Masjid Noor Katale-Bukwenda in Kyengera town council, Wakiso district is seeking for sh1.2b to complete their stalled mosque.

The construction of the mosque started three years ago but it has since stalled because of lack of funds.

Once completed, the new mosque will accommodate over 2,000 worshippers as against the current one which accommodates about 200 people.

The construction of the new mosque followed the increased number of Muslims in the area which the old mosque could no longer accommodate.

Speaking during the recent prayers, Hajj Ishaq Katongole, the chairman of the mosque construction committee appealed to the Muslims and well-wishers to support God’s work.

“We decided to construct a new mosque because the number of Muslims in the area had rapidly increased and the old mosque could no longer accommodate them but this project has stalled because of lack of funds. We, therefore, appeal to the Muslim community and well-wishers to support us to complete our mosque,” Katongole said.

Katale-Bukwenda is a rapidly growing peri-urban residential area along Nebalamye-Mayanja road.

The region has seen a rise in small-scale commercial developments, though community infrastructure development is still catching up to the residential boom.

Appealing to the Muslims to support the project, Muhammad Luyima, the mosque Imam said doing so is a profound act of devotion.

“Building a mosque is one of the most significant forms of charity in Islam because Prophet Muhammad said whoever builds a mosque, Allah will build for them a house like it in paradise,” Imam Luyima said.

Luyima noted that as long as people pray, learn or remember Allah within its walls, the donor continuously receives spiritual rewards even after their lifetime.

“Therefore, construction of a mosque serves as a cornerstone of faith, providing a dedicated space for daily prayers, spiritual growth and Islamic education,” Imam Luyima noted.

Luyima thanked women whom he said have since made some great contributions towards the project challenging the men to copy a leaf from them.

Hakim Mubiru, the information secretary at the mosque said they also accept building materials.

“If you have the building materials such as cement, iron bars among others, we welcome it because we need to have this mosque completed within the shortest time possible for our people to praise their creator as it is a more conducive environment,” Mubiru said.

Mosques are not just for prayers but they also serve as catalysts for holistic community development, fostering social bonds, unity and brotherhood.