The Salaam Muslim Cemetery Committee has announced significant progress in its efforts to secure a new burial ground for Muslims in Kampala, Wakiso and surrounding areas, revealing that it has acquired more than 63 acres of land but still requires Shs324 million to complete the process.
Addressing the media on the project’s status, Imam Iddi Kasozi one pf the committe mambers said the initiative was launched in response to the urgent need for additional Muslim burial space after existing cemeteries, particularly Nkoowe I, reached full capacity.
“We have secured substantial land, but the work is not yet complete,” he said appealing to Muslims and well-wishers to continue supporting the project financially and morally.
According to Imam Kasozi 20 acres of land were purchased in Wobulenzi at a cost of Shs460 million, while a larger 43.7-acre piece of land in Sanga-Matugga was acquired at an agreed price of Shs2.324 billion. So far, Shs2 billion has been paid for the Sanga-Matugga property, leaving an outstanding balance of Shs324 million.
He reported that total contributions received from 2023 to date amount to approximately Shs2.44 billion, while expenditures stand at about Shs2.42 billion, leaving a balance of around Shs20 million pending final reconciliation.
He Added that’s said the process of securing land took longer than expected because several sites assessed were found unsuitable due to issues such as poor terrain, land disputes, inadequate access roads, unclear ownership documents and high prices.
“Since this project is funded by public contributions, we had a duty to proceed carefully and responsibly to avoid exposing the Muslim community to future legal or operational challenges,” he said.
The Chairperson of the committe Hajji Harunah Kibirige saiad that the next phase of the project will involve clearing the outstanding land balance, finalising legal documentation, obtaining vacant possession, opening boundaries, developing access roads and parking areas, and preparing basic burial infrastructure.
He disclosed plans to strengthen digital fundraising through mobile money, bank transfers, QR-code payment systems and online pledge registration to make contributions more transparent and convenient.
Describing the cemetery as a collective responsibility and a form of sadaqah jariyah (continuous charity), Hajji Kibirige urged Muslims to remain patient and united as efforts continue to establish a dignified and sustainable burial ground for future generations.
“We therefore appeal to all Muslims and well-wishers to remain patient, supportive and united. A great milestone has been achieved, but additional support is still needed to complete the project and prepare the land for use,” he said.
The old cementry which is located in Wakiso district Nkoowe is full to capacity and Muslims have been on drive to look for another place where they can start a new cemetery