Muslims in Kisenyi, a Kampala suburb are divided over the relocation of Taqua Mosque to pave way for the development of the area.
A Kampala businessman, John Bosco Muwonge has for three months engaged the area Muslims to have the mosque relocated and has promised to pay them over 900 million shillings in compensation.
The Amir of Taqua Mosque, Hamidu Ssekito says part of the agreement involves constructing a new mosque on a titled piece of land in another area that will be handed over to the muslims. But this has not gone down well with a group of Muslims led by Haruna Kibirige, the former Mosque Imam.
In a letter dated July 15th addressed to Muwonge, Kibirige has threatened to go to court should Muwonge go ahead with his plans. The letter is copied to the area village council and the police. Kibirige says it is illegal for a section of the Muslims to enter an agreement for the relocation of the mosque without consulting the founders.
Juuko Mutebi, the local council one chairperson for Muzaana zone in Kisenyi says that Taqua Mosque was established by Nuruh I Deed of the Somali origin in the 1990s as a prayer room before it was turned into a mosque.
He says from then the mosque has changed leadership three times, and that it is the obligation of the leaders to plan for the new mosque in the redevelopment plan.
According to Mutebi, a new piece of land with a title has been secured at 180 million shillings and the new mosque worth 800 million shillings is to be constructed.
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Mutebi says he has arranged a meeting between the two parties to reach a compromise by Thursday.
