Arua’s Irshad Mosque developers granted 15-year lease

By Ahmed Idriss

Developers of the Irshad Mosque commercial complex in Arua have been granted a 15-year lease to manage newly constructed lockups, in an initiative aimed at generating sustainable income for the Muslim community.

Construction of the mosque and its adjoining commercial complex began in September 2024 at a cost of more than Shs 2.5 billion, according to records at the Arua Muslim District Council offices.

Unable to raise the required funds—Shs 700 million for the mosque and Shs 1.8 billion for the shopping complex—the local Muslim leadership entered into a financing arrangement with private developers. Under the agreement, the developers funded the construction and, upon completion, were granted a 15-year lease to recover their investment.

On 31 March, the Muslim leadership in the district formally handed over the commercial complex to the developers at a ceremony witnessed by Rtd Maj Betty Otekat Akello, the Resident City Commissioner for Arua, alongside other district leaders and stakeholders.

Under the arrangement, the developers will occupy the units for 15 years to recover their investment. During this period, they are required to meet the city’s statutory tax obligations and remit an agreed fee to the Arua Muslim district council. Each developer received one or two lockups depending on their level of investment, in a system designed to ensure fairness and sustainability.

The Arua district Kadhi, Alhajj Abujaffar Shaban Karala, commended the developers for their resilience and commitment, particularly in the face of legal challenges, and called for continued support from relevant authorities.

The West Nile regional assistant to the Mufti, Sheikh Mahdi Raihaan, said the project aligns with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’s strategy of promoting self-reliance among Muslim districts. UMSC National Vice Chairperson, Hajj Muzamil Abon, also welcomed the initiative, noting that it expands development efforts beyond the national headquarters to regional levels.

In her remarks, Akello praised the leadership behind the project, linking it to Arua City’s broader economic development agenda. She also conveyed appreciation from the President for the Muslim community’s continued support, and highlighted government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the Growth Fund as opportunities for developers and other entrepreneurs.

Authorities indicated that monitoring mechanisms and final legal processes will follow to ensure compliance and proper management of the facility.