Lango Muslim Council orders fresh grave count amid disputes

By Ahmed Idriss

Lango Muslim District Council has ordered a fresh verification of graves earmarked for relocation to pave the way for road construction, amid concerns over cemetery compensation and growing disagreements over Muslim leadership in Lira City.

The decision was reached during a council meeting chaired by Adam Otim Kibwanga, also known as Juma Murungu, which discussed several administrative, financial and development matters affecting the Muslim community.

According to a statement issued by council spokesperson Oula Asuman Waseme, a select committee was appointed to visit the cemetery and verify the number of graves previously submitted to the defunct Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) for compensation.

The committee is expected to submit a written report detailing its findings.

The council also resolved that money received as compensation should be used exclusively to purchase alternative cemetery land, develop the burial ground and secure its land title.

The cemetery issue has raised concerns among members of the Muslim community, prompting Kibwanga to ask the Secretary for Auqaf to provide a detailed account of developments surrounding the burial ground and the compensation process.

DISPUTE OVER LIRA CITY COUNTY SHEIKH

The meeting also discussed a leadership dispute involving the position of Lira City County Sheikh and the nomination of candidates for District Khadi.

According to the council statement, the dispute followed Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubaje’s decision not to recognise names submitted by the previous Council of Sheikhs for the District Khadi position.

The decision reportedly followed a petition by rival sheikhs who accused those involved in the nominations of unfairness and creating divisions within the Muslim leadership.

Deputy District Khadi Sheikh Ibrahim Okello argued that the Mufti’s rejection of the nominations also affected the positions of the Lira City County Sheikh and Sheikh Maulid.

However, members called for formal communication from the Mufti clarifying his position and whether the Council of Sheikhs has the authority to nominate and install county sheikhs.

Questions were also raised about the eligibility of some council members, with concerns that certain officials might not meet the constitutional requirements for the positions they hold.

The statement further indicated that some county sheikhs had been removed during earlier leadership changes involving Sheikh Ali Yakoub and Sheikh Saidi Ongu.

The dispute remains unresolved as the council awaits written clarification from the Mufti.

OFFICIALS THREATEN TO RESIGN

The council also heard concerns about financial and administrative difficulties affecting the district leadership.

Sheikh Okello described the work of the Deputy District Khadi’s office as challenging and revealed that two senior officials had indicated their intention to leave office.

He said the Secretary for Finance, Ochom Babu, had submitted a resignation letter, while District General Secretary Opito Bruhan Twaha had threatened to resign by November 1, 2026.

Okello also expressed concern about the cost of ongoing court cases, saying they were draining funds that could otherwise support Muslim community activities.

He recalled earlier advice from the Mufti that some disputes should be settled through mediation rather than litigation, and that the number of lawyers handling the cases should be reduced.

On financial management, the council resolved that Muslim community accounts would be managed by five sheikhs: Abdul Karim Omara, Kato Swaibu, Ali Yakoub Okwir Awoi, Saidi Ongu and Ibrahim Okello.

MOSQUE DEVELOPMENT DISPUTE

Another issue discussed was the proposed construction of a skilling facility by SENNA Foundation behind Iddi Amin Mosque.

The proposal had generated disagreement among members, but the council was reminded of an existing memorandum signed by former Regional Khadi Sheikh Hussein.

According to the council statement, the memorandum gives SENNA Foundation authority over the mosque and its immediate surroundings.

Members were informed that worshippers could continue using the mosque for prayers unless the memorandum was amended.