In a bold move that captured attention, the Jinja Muslim community asserted their claim over disputed land by holding Eid al-Fitr prayers right on the contested site.
The battle for prime land between the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and Jinja Regional Referral Hospital over Plot 31 to 39 in Jinja City has been ongoing. However, the dispute took a symbolic turn as early as 7 am when Muslim faithful began gathering on the disputed land on Baxi Road for Eid Salah.
Despite the bare soil, the Muslims laid their prayer rugs on tarpaulins to observe Salah, with the leadership, including Busoga Regional Kadhi Muhammad Bowa, vowing not to yield the contested land adjacent to the Jinja Muslim Cemetery and Jinja Hospital.
Sheikh Bowa, backed by documents dating back to 2010 from the Uganda Land Commission, reassured the congregation of their rightful ownership. Plans for development were announced, urging the Muslim community to contribute.
Dismissing a letter from the Uganda Land Commission suspending developments, Jinja District Kadhi Adi Ismail Basoga reaffirmed Muslim ownership, calling it a “done deal.”
Amidst efforts for resolution, accusations were aimed at Jinja City Council for obstructing development plans, with Sheikh Edirisa Songolo questioning the sudden scrutiny and lack of action during earlier land divisions.
State Minister for Lands Sam Mayanja’s visit confirmed Muslim ownership, promising assistance in acquiring relevant ownership documents, further fueling the community’s resolve in the land dispute
