Hoima district to get sh2b Islamic institute

By Robert  Atuhairwe
The construction of Bwikya Islamic Institute in Mpaaro division, Hoima municipality that started in February will be completed in March next year.

The Sheikhat–Afrah Bint Zayid Annahayan family of the United Arab Emirates is financing the sh1.8b construction of the institution.

Sheikh Ramathan Kyalisiima, the project co-ordinator, told New Vision recently that the institute, which sits on 5.8 acres, will be a training centre for sheikhs, imams and students from Hoima, Masindi, Kibaale, Buliisa, Kyankwanzi, Kiboga and Kiryandongo districts.

Kyalisiima said the institute will save children from going to schools in Kampala and other parts of the world in search of theological studies, where they presume standards are better.

He said the institute will comprise six classrooms, a multi-purpose hall, four dormitories for boys and girls, a mosque, kitchen, dining hall, store, an administration block and four staff housing units.

Kyalisiima said other structures will include a commercial building with a school clinic, which will also benefit the surrounding communities, a restaurant, a modern salon, canteen and a vocational centre for mechanics and catering students.

Kyalisiima, who is also the headmaster of Bwikya Islamic School that is close to the proposed institute, said part of the buildings will be used to establish A’level classrooms which they are currently short of.

He revealed that the project currently employs over 35 casual labourers and engineers.

Kyalisiima said the institute will employ at least 60 teachers and medical personnel and the restaurant will be tendered out to private business-people.

Engineering Systems Company is supervising the project, while SKMG, a local company, was contracted to carry out the construction.

Isaac Ssekubunga of Engineering Systems said: “We are currently at roofing stage and internal finishes. We shall later embark on landscaping, electrical works and water extension.”