Muslims granted access to cemetery in Jinja
Minister Nabakoba announced that half an acre would be allocated to facilitate access to the cemetery and parking.
Jinja: In a significant resolution, ministers have agreed to allocate half an acre of hospital land to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) in Jinja City for parking and access to the Muslim cemetery.
This decision was made during a meeting on October 28, 2024, held in the City Hall chambers, attended by Ministers Jane Ruth Aceng (Health) and Judith Nabakoba (Lands and Urban Development), alongside representatives from the UMSC and the hospital board. The land in question is located on plots 31-39 Nile Avenue in Jinja Southern Division.
During the meeting, Minister Nabakoba announced that half an acre would be allocated to facilitate access to the cemetery and parking.
She indicated that formal consent from both parties would be signed, with surveyors and physical planners set to immediately survey and plan the land. Minister Nabakoba urged that any legal disputes be put aside, emphasizing that no compensations would be made to either party.
Furthermore, Minister Nabakoba encouraged the UMSC to seek an additional 10 acres of land, noting that the current cemetery is full. She stated that once suitable land is identified within Jinja City, the president would assist in its purchase, highlighting the need for a larger space.
The remaining land will be reserved for hospital development, with plans for a regional cancer institute, blood bank, and heart institute already underway.
Minister Jane Ruth Aceng clarified that the land originally belonged to the Land Commission and was later allocated to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
She confirmed that the half-acre granted to the Muslim community is now designated solely for access and parking, with the access road in a triangular format along Clive Road. She dismissed allegations regarding other individuals claiming plots within this land, assuring that the ministry would resolve any such issues.
Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Bukenya expressed acceptance of the land allocation and urged the community to remain calm and adhere to the guidance provided, promoting harmony between the hospital and the Muslim community in the region. He thanked the ministers for addressing their concerns.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kisambira, National Chairman of the UMSC, stated that their grievances have been addressed and reaffirmed their intention to seek the 10 acres of land as directed by the minister. He called on the Muslim community to avoid riots and to follow the guidelines for the development of both the community and the hospital.
The 4.5 acres of land in question has been a contentious issue between the Muslim community and the hospital since 1932, holding deep cultural, emotional, and religious significance for the community.
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