Hoima City Mayor in Eid meat distribution row as Masindi Muslims call for unity

Hoima: Tensions marred Eid al-Adha celebrations in Hoima City after Muslims from Mparo North Mosque accused the city’s Lord Mayor, Brian Kaboyo, of unfairly diverting meat donations intended solely for their community.

According to mosque leaders, 10 cows were donated to them by Turkish construction firm M/S Summa. However, they claim that the Mayor took meat from four and a half cows, with the donor company allegedly retaining one and a half cows, leaving the Mparo congregation with meat from only four cows.

“We were left with less meat than expected. Some members missed out completely. This was our initiative the mayor had no part in lobbying for the cows,” one mosque leader said.

Members of the mosque expressed disappointment, accusing the Mayor of acting in bad faith during one of Islam’s most sacred holidays. “A leader is supposed to support his people, not take from them,” said one worshipper.

In response, Mayor Brian Kaboyo dismissed the accusations, clarifying that the donation was intended for all needy groups and mosques in Hoima City, not Mparo Mosque alone.

“I initiated the request to M/S Summa. The cows were distributed to various mosques, including Buswekera, and to the youth in the ghetto. One cow was also used during belated Women’s Day celebrations in Kigarama,” said the

Meanwhile, in Masindi district, Muslim leaders used the Eid celebrations to call for greater political and civic engagement. During prayers at Masindi Town Mosque, Sheikh Yahaya Ssozi, the mosque’s chairperson, urged Muslims to remain united despite divisions within the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC).

“Let us not allow internal differences to weaken us. We must participate in governance and support one another,” Sheikh Ssozi said.

He called upon Muslim youths to contest for higher offices such as Member of Parliament and district chairperson. He also encouraged the faithful to embrace government economic programs like PDM and Emyooga, and to renew their national IDs in preparation for the upcoming elections.

At King Hamza Mosque in Kirasa 1 cell, Masindi Woman MP Dr. Florence Asiimwe urged voters to choose leaders based on merit and service, not sectarian affiliations.

“I have served all people of Masindi without discrimination. My record speaks for itself,” Dr. Asiimwe told the congregation.

The MP listed several achievements, including procurement of an ambulance, public address systems, tents, and chairs for use across sub-counties and divisions. She also donated UGX 50,000 for mosque rehabilitation and UGX 100,000 for Eid celebrations.

Her efforts were praised by Hamza Kabaka, chairperson of Kirasa 1 cell, who commended her continued support for the Muslim community.

Story filed by Christopher Bruno and Innocent Atuganyira

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