Lands, Housing and Urban Development Minister Judith Nabakooba has taken an interest in the long-term dispute between the Jinja Muslim community and the Ministry of Health over the Muslim Cemetery land.
The controversial disagreement between the two significant parties over the land located on plots 31-39 Baxi Road in Jinja City has resulted in blocked access for the Muslim faithful to bury their loved ones in the designated area.
Reportedly, they have had to use ladders to access the cemetery since the construction of a wall fence by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, supported by the Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
In her recent letter dated October 24, 2024, to all stakeholders, Minister Nabakooba announced that she would be visiting the site to seek a lasting solution to the issue, together with the Minister of Health, Dr. Ruth Acieng.
“Following the recent incident concerning the above-described property, which indicates that access to the Muslim Cemetery has not been resolved, this is to invite you to a meeting on Monday, the 28th of October, 2024, at 10:00 AM to address the matter at the site,” Nabakooba’s letter stated in part.
Busoga Kingdom’s second Deputy Prime Minister, Owekitiibwa Haji Osman Ahmed Noor, expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and the Ministries of Lands and Health in addressing the ongoing Jinja Muslim Cemetery land dispute.
Haji Osman commended the stakeholders for their proactive engagement in resolving the matter, urging the Muslim community in Jinja to remain calm and united. He anticipates that the upcoming meeting will provide a clear resolution to the land issues, preserving the cemetery’s sanctity and respect within the community.
“This intervention brings hope to all those affected by this dispute,” Haji Osman stated.
“I urge everyone to remain patient as we await the outcomes of the Monday meeting, which we believe will bring peace and clarity,” he added.
As a stakeholder in this matter, Haji Osman assured the community that he would continue to closely monitor developments and advocate for the interests of the Muslim community regarding the cemetery. His involvement reflects a commitment to ensuring that community concerns are addressed respectfully and effectively.
This intervention underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding community interests while respecting the cultural and religious significance of the cemetery land.
Earlier in March this year, State Minister for Lands Sam Mayanja visited the disputed land and concluded that it belongs to the Muslims, who have been utilizing it since 1927. This decision was contested by some residents in Jinja.
However, the Muslim community has repeatedly petitioned President Museveni to intervene in this distressing dispute. They argue that if the Ministry of Health owns the contested land, the government should allocate at least 10 acres of National Forest Authority (NFA) land in Kimaka, Jinja City.
