UMSC repossesses Namugongo Mosque land

By Ahmed Idriss and Issa Kigongo

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has reclaimed part of the land originally designated for the Namugongo Shuhada (Martyrs) Masjid Noor, which was allocated during the reign of the late President Idi Amin around 1975.

Following the fall of President Amin’s government in 1979, much of the six-acre property was encroached upon by unknown squatters, a situation that persisted for decades. The remaining portion hosted a small mosque and a single-room structure used as a classroom for young learners.

Over time, members of the mosque committee who managed the facility took advantage of their positions to erect several kiosks and temporary structures for private businesses without remitting any dues to the UMSC.

This issue drew the attention of the Government a few years ago, prompting officials to consult the Mufti about the status of the mosque. The site had originally been designated as a national monument in memory of the first Muslim martyrs executed during the reign of Kabaka Mutesa I in the early 19th century.

The UMSC National Management Committee resolved to redevelop the site. A special subcommittee was constituted under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Badru Ddungu Kateregga, with Haj Sulaiman Musana Kawangunzi as secretary.

The team developed a comprehensive architectural plan which was submitted to the government, following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, who pledged full financial support toward establishing a modern Muslim center at the site.

According to the UMSC, the proposed center will feature “a magnificent mosque, a conference hall, shops, a clinic, a museum, and a training block for Muslim clerics—particularly those engaged in Da’wah and community outreach programs.”

In preparation for the redevelopment, the UMSC recently initiated a site clearance exercise for the peripheral land surrounding the mosque.

In a letter dated September 19th, 2025, addressed to the Local Council Chairperson of Nsawo Zone, Namugongo, the UMSC Secretary General, Haj Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya, stated:

“The UMSC intends to clear the site peripheral to the Namugongo Masjid Shuhada Mosque (excluding the Mosque itself) for redeveloping purposes. Tenants on the peripheral have been served with prior notices to vacate, effective from June 1st to August 31st, 2025. These notices were acknowledged by their signatories, and subsequent written requests for extension were reasonably denied.”

The letter further indicated that the UMSC planned to carry out the clearance on Thursday, 25th September 2025, and “immediately thereafter, seal off the site for restructuring and redevelopment.”

Haj Muluubya emphasized the need for cooperation and order during the exercise, writing:

“The UMSC hereby seeks your collaboration for a successful execution of this exercise, aiming to ensure order and peace.”

According to Nasser Musa Odongkara, the Secretary for Awqaf (Property and Endowment), the clearance was preceded by months of engagement with occupants, which culminated in an amicable understanding.

“We reached a peaceful agreement that allowed the occupants to vacate voluntarily and paved the way for redevelopment,” Odongkara explained.