Located near the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, the land had been encroached upon by squatters following the fall of Amin’s government in 1979.
For decades, the site hosted a small mosque and a single classroom, with local committee members later erecting kiosks for private businesses—none of which contributed revenue to the UMSC.
The repossession marks a major milestone in plans to redevelop the historic site, designated as a national monument in memory of the first Muslim martyrs killed during Kabaka Mutesa I’s reign in the 18th century.
Under the guidance of Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the mufti of Uganda, the UMSC National Management Committee established a subcommittee to oversee the redevelopment.
The team is chaired by Badru Ddungu Kateregga, with Hajj Sulaiman Musana Kawangunzi serving as secretary.
Following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, who pledged full financial support, the subcommittee submitted architectural plans to the Government of Uganda for a modern Muslim centre.
The project is set to include a grand mosque, conference hall, shops, clinic, museum, and a training facility for Muslim clerics engaged in Da’wah and community outreach.
UMSC officials confirmed that part of the secured funds have already been used to install modern flush toilets and pave walkways at the site.
Nasser Musa Odongkara, head of the UMSC Department of Awqaf (Property and Endowment), said an amicable agreement was reached with long-term occupants, allowing for a peaceful eviction process.
“The eviction exercise was conducted successfully and without incident,” Hon. Odongkara said, commending team members Haj Ibrahim Mbubi, Miss Haawa Namaganda, Sheikh Abdu-Barri Kaloozi, and Sheikh Muhammad Guyidde for their professionalism.
The UMSC now plans to commence full-scale redevelopment of the Namugongo site once government funding is released.