High-Level Security Meeting Held to Resolve Dispute Over Entebbe Mosque Land
Wakiso District Security Committee led by the Resident District Commissioner, Justine Mbabazi, her deputy Jackline Kakunda, in charge of Entebbe Sub-District and other security heads have held a high-level security meeting with members of the late Haj Bulaimu Nsimbe Memorial Mosque along the Entebbe Express Highway. The meeting was prompted by the ongoing clashes and tensions over the ownership of the land hosting the mosque.
Trouble started after Ibrahim Mwanje, the son and heir to the late Haj Nsimbe, who donated the land for the mosque, claimed ownership of the property. Recently, unidentified people backed by the police attacked the mosque heightening tensions. However, Muslim vigilantes guarding the mosque repelled the attackers, who caused extensive damage, including vandalizing vehicles and partially destroying the perimeter wall under construction.
Muslims in the area accuse several leaders, including Jackline Kakunda, the Deputy RDC, and Entebbe Division Police Commander Kenneth Muhairwe of providing security to Mwanje, who they allege is causing havoc in the community and making arbitrary arrests of innocent Muslims. Mwanje has also filed several court cases related to the land, which are yet to be heard. Additionally, he has allegedly sold a portion of the mosque compound to, Emmy Ssegwanyi, leading to resistance from the Muslims.
This prompted Wakiso Resident District Commissioner, Justine Mbabazi to convene a meeting to stem the tensions. During the meeting, the Deputy RDC Kakunda, denied any involvement in facilitating Mwanje’s claims to the land and stated that she had advised him not to enter the mosque land until courts determine ownership. Her remarks drew mixed reactions from the crowd.
Abdul-Wahid Ngobe, one of the elderly Sheikhs and a close confidant to the late Nsimbe, provided historical context, explaining how the deceased had donated the land for Muslim activities, including the construction of a school and health facility. He pleaded for help to save the mosque, emphasizing that it was willed by the late Nsimbe (Salopassi).
Sheikh Muwonge, in charge of Endowment/Properties, presented technical details about how Mwanje allegedly conspired with land officials to forge titles and called for a thorough investigation into the matter. Counsel Ali Aluma, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council-UMSC Secretary General praised Mbabazi and her team for their prompt response and requested her assistance in recovering another prime land that had been grabbed.
Mwanje was tasked to explain how he claimed ownership of the mosque land in vain as he couldn’t provide records supporting his claim. He was also asked about his failure to share proceeds from land sales with his siblings, which is required by law.
Mbabazi directed Mwanje and his associates to refrain from tampering with UMSC property and ordered security to guard it until court rules otherwise. She affirmed that the land belongs to UMSC and ordered Mwanje to share part of their father’s estates with his impoverished brother. Various individuals, including Sheikh Hon. Nsubuga Muzamir, a member of the UMSC the General Assembly, Counsel Bunyasin Ibrahim UMSC Legal Officer, were in attendance.