By Timothy Lukanga
Speaker Among has urged Gov’t to take interest in the matter of the impending sale of Muslim properties especially the Gaddafi National Mosques, after Asuman Basalirwa asked Gov’t to explain if something is being done to avert the crisis.
“I want to find out from Gov’t whether this is a matter that concerns them that a national treasure. Gadaffi National Mosque isn’t only headquarters of Muslims in this country, it is one of the biggest mosques, it is also a tourist site. Those of you who have been there, people are coming across the world to visit that treasure. In light of what is happening, I want to find out if this is a matter that Government has taken interest into and the possible political, spiritual and security ramifications that may arise out of sale of Muslim property,” asked Asuman Basalirwa Bigiri Municipality Member of Parliament
Rukia Nakadama, Third Deputy Prime Minister said that the impending sale of Muslim property following a high court order in order to recover Shs19Bn loan extended to the Muslim leadership, is of concern to Gov’t which is why the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is seeking to secure a supplementary budget of Shs2.7Bn to carry out renovation works at the national mosque.
“This is a matter which concerns all of us, and in particular Gov’t. I am saying that because Ministry of Gender is looking for some Shs2Bn to renovate that mosque. But this is a matter before court, there is no way we can start discussing it here, but we are aware and it concerns us,” said Nakadama.
The Ministry of Gender is seeking for a supplementary budget of Shs2 billion to renovate Gaddafi National Mosque. The supplementary budget comes at a time when there are ongoing legal matters between Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and a businessman Justus Kyahabwa.
Last week, The Court of Appeal dismissed Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’ (UMSC) petition which sought to halt the sale of eight properties of over Shs19 billion debts.
