The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and national security officials, led by Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba, have resolved to reopen the UMSC Entebbe Mosque. The mosque had been temporarily closed for two weeks following tensions between rival groups within the congregation.
The closure stemmed from a land ownership dispute. Allegations arose against a group of Muslim leaders, including Haj Twaha Ssempebwa and Sheikh Umar Bashir, the mosque’s imam. They were accused of registering a land title under the name Masjid Taqwa Company Ltd. This entity, formed in 2012, claimed ownership of the mosque and rebranded it, distancing it from its original name, UMSC Entebbe Mosque. Elders, who had overseen the mosque since it was built by Asian Muslims in 1914, were upset by this move, arguing that the facility had been under UMSC management since 1972.
UMSC had previously acquired land adjacent to the mosque on Portal Road, Entebbe City, for developmental projects, including an educational center. However, the group allegedly took over these properties and managed them without any accountability, collecting rental income. The situation escalated when members of the group reportedly hired individuals to intimidate worshippers after UMSC considered suspending Sheikh Umar Bashir, accusing him of defiance and making unsubstantiated claims of ownership over the mosque.
Given the mosque’s strategic location near key infrastructure such as the State House and Entebbe International Airport, UMSC sought security intervention to temporarily close the mosque to prevent further unrest. On October 22nd, 2024 a crucial meeting took place, involving the IGP, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) of Wakiso and Entebbe, and senior UMSC officials.
The discussion included His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, alongside Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, UMSC National Chairperson Hon. Prof. Dr. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, Secretary General Hon. Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, Deputy Secretary Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, and Sheikh Farouk Ssendijja, the Kadhi of Entebbe Muslim District.
The parties engaged in comprehensive dialogue, ultimately agreeing to reopen the mosque for daily prayers. Emphasis was placed on maintaining peace and ensuring that all future activities at the mosque promote unity. Additionally, UMSC representatives called for enhanced cooperation between local authorities and community leaders to resolve any conflicts amicably.
During the meeting, Prof. Lubega also raised concerns about a similar dispute in Jinja Industrial City involving Muslim cemetery land. He warned that the situation, which includes reports of unauthorized individuals erecting barriers around the cemetery, could lead to further conflict if not addressed.
