Summary:
- The sale of a contested piece of land in Bukiragi village, Bulongo district, initially allocated to Muslims by former President Idi Amin, led to the demolition of a mosque and school, sparking disputes and skepticism among locals, with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) at the center of the controversial transaction.
Mufti Shaban Mubajje orchestrated the sale of a vast piece of land, situated at Bukiragi village in Bulongo district, to Justus Kyabahwa, Examiner has learnt. Upon inspection, it was revealed that a mosque and a school had been erected on the land, prompting its immediate demolition. This revelation was met with concern from Hajji Yusufu Twaha Bukenya of Lwemiyaga and the secretary of the council formed by the Ssembabule residents to safeguard the land’s interests.
The contested land, officially registered as LRV 3693 Folio 12, Ranch No 31A, spans an extensive 518 hectares or two miles. Historical context indicates that former President Idi Amin Dada had originally allocated the land to Muslims in the 1970s. However, Amin later redistributed portions to Catholics and Christians, granting Ranch No 1 Catholics and Ranch No 37 to Christians on the south of the West Buganda Diocese.
Upon visiting the site, it was observed that the entire expanse was encircled by fence, and the presence of individuals was strictly regulated. Witnesses reported sightings of cows and herdsmen within the confines, but access was restricted, with instances of people being beaten on the premises. The ominous atmosphere was compounded by the occasional patrols of law enforcement agencies.
Hajji Bukenya emphasized that the land, initially spanning five miles, had gradually dwindled due to various factors, including leasing and cattle grazing. Despite these challenges, local Muslims had taken the initiative to establish a mosque and a school, aiming to promote Islam in Uganda. However, opposition arose when the land was leased, culminating in the demolition of the mosque and school.
Attempts to seek redress through official channels proved futile, and the land was eventually leased to external parties. Expressing hope for the land’s eventual return to the Muslim community, some residents, such as Badru Mwanje of Ssembabule, voiced skepticism about the involvement of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), citing a loss of trust.
The controversial transaction that led to the sale of the land occurred on June 24, 2020. Mufti Shaban Ramathan Mubajje, former Secretary Ramathan Mugalu, and the deceased Abdul Kadir Balonde, former board chairman, represented UMSC in the deal with Julius Kyabahwa. The agreed-upon sale amount was approximately UGX 3,584,000,000/-, and the contract stipulated that all necessary taxes were to be covered.
According to the terms, the entire sum was to be paid in Ugandan shillings and deposited into UMSC’s account in Diamond Trust Bank. Mubajje assured Kyabahwa that, upon receipt of the funds, the land would be handed over within 60 days, and he would be introduced to key leaders, including the LC. Kyabahwa was promised a title deed and comprehensive documentation related to the land sale.
The contract included a clause specifying that if Kyabahwa failed to obtain the land within 150 days of payment, UMSC was obligated to refund the entire amount with interest.
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