Let UMSC allow transparency
Jul 13, 2006
Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) executive committee meets next month to discuss the controversial leasing of Council properties to Hassan Basajjabalaba.
Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) executive committee meets next month to discuss the controversial leasing of Council properties to Hassan Basajjabalaba. The discussions should be transparent to allay fears that the UMSC failed to protect interests of the general Muslim community. Therefore it was wrong to stop Muslims from discussing the issue. First, Muslims were within their constitutional right to discuss matters that concern them. Secondly, the ban created suspicion of a cover-up.
It was right to look for ways of raising revenue to run the Council. However, Basajja is the Vice-Chairman of UMSC. This raises the possibility of conflict of interest. This not being personal property, competitive bidding would have been a prudent procedure.
In return for the offer, Basajja is constructing lock-up shops at Old Kampala mosque from which UMSC will collect rent. It was unwise to allow shops around the national mosque. The activities in the shops may offend some Muslims or conflict with the teachings of Islam. Salons and restaurants may attract obscene music, scantily-dressed women, plaiting with artificial hair and, at the worst, forbidden meals. Only well-kept gardens like those around Bahai Temple in Kanyanya would preserve the sanctity of the national mosque.
The Mufti said while he was away his deputy approved more land for Basajja, which the deputy has denied. But the Mufti endorsed the transfer of title for the properties on William Street. This means the deputy could have violated procedures but not the principle. Rather than trade accusations, the Mufti and his deputy should take responsibility for whatever went wrong and move to implement corrective measures.
Basajja was wrong to sub-lease the properties to Drake Lubega. But Lubega is willing to return the properties if he gets his money back. This is a good gesture. UMSC’s goal should be to review all agreements with a view to repossess the properties and allow public tendering.
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It was right to look for ways of raising revenue to run the Council. However, Basajja is the Vice-Chairman of UMSC. This raises the possibility of conflict of interest. This not being personal property, competitive bidding would have been a prudent procedure.
In return for the offer, Basajja is constructing lock-up shops at Old Kampala mosque from which UMSC will collect rent. It was unwise to allow shops around the national mosque. The activities in the shops may offend some Muslims or conflict with the teachings of Islam. Salons and restaurants may attract obscene music, scantily-dressed women, plaiting with artificial hair and, at the worst, forbidden meals. Only well-kept gardens like those around Bahai Temple in Kanyanya would preserve the sanctity of the national mosque.
The Mufti said while he was away his deputy approved more land for Basajja, which the deputy has denied. But the Mufti endorsed the transfer of title for the properties on William Street. This means the deputy could have violated procedures but not the principle. Rather than trade accusations, the Mufti and his deputy should take responsibility for whatever went wrong and move to implement corrective measures.
Basajja was wrong to sub-lease the properties to Drake Lubega. But Lubega is willing to return the properties if he gets his money back. This is a good gesture. UMSC’s goal should be to review all agreements with a view to repossess the properties and allow public tendering.
Ends