UMSC unveils masterplan for redevelopment of Muslim martyrs' mosque

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has unveiled the architectural master plan for the redevelopment of Namugongo Muslim Martyr’s Mosque.

The mosque sits at the site where several Muslims were killed on the orders of King Mutesa I.

The late former President, Idi Amin designated the area as a memorial site for the Muslim martyrs and laid a foundation stone for the mosque on August 10 1975.

Addressing journalists at his residence at Buziga on Tuesday, Prof Badru Kateregga, the chairperson of the committee overseeing the redevelopment, said that the mosque is aimed at preserving the Muslim heritage in the country.

"Islam was the first foreign religion to enter Uganda and time came when the early reverts accepted it after they realised it was superior over beliefs they had before so it led them to disobey the monarch resulting in a revolution...," said Kateregga.

He however noted that unlike Christians who visit Namugongo for June 3rd Martyr’s Day celebration and the annual pilgrimage, Muslims chose to recount that early Muslim history by gathering at the Mosque on June 1.

He noted increased public awareness of the rich history, the decision by the government to gazette the area as a historical site, and various research that culminated in writing a book about Muslim Martyrs (Shu’adas).

Ramadhan Mugalu, the UMSC Secretary-General disclosed that the government had committed in writing to compensate squatters who have encroached on the entire six acres of land leaving a very small portion  for the mosque.