Tabliqs insist on Nakasero redevelopment
Nov 16, 2010
THE Muslim Tabliq leadership yesterday vowed to continue with the redevelopment of Nakasero Mosque despite opposition.
By Andante Okanya
and Eddie Ssejjoba
THE Muslim Tabliq leadership yesterday vowed to continue with the redevelopment of Nakasero Mosque despite opposition.
“I would like to caution Muslims against groups and individuals spreading hatred to divide us. Those preachers are anti-development,†said Sheikh Sulaiman Kakeeto, the head of the Tabliq sect.
His message was delivered at the Clock Tower Grounds on Entebbe Road in Kampala, where he led the crowd in Idd Aduha prayers. Security was minimal at the venue.
In April, the Uganda Muslim Sunni Association, the Uganda Muslim Tabliq Community and city tycoon Mutasa Kafeero signed an agreement to re-develop the dilapidated mosque.
It was agreed that a multi-storied commercial building be put up on plot 4 Snay Bin Amen Street, and Plot 17A, 17B and 17C on Entebbe road, where the mosque is located.
But last month as the developer embarked on the sh5b project, a faction opposed the move, saying it was a gimmick to sell off the land.
Kakeeto called on Hajji Moses Kigongo, who is busy with national campaigns, to mediate between the rival camps.
Built in the early 1940s by the Indian Sunnis, the mosque was meant to accommodate 30 Muslims. The Tabliqs forcefully took it over in the 1970s.
Kakeeto requested the Tabliqs in support of the redevelopment to be patient, noting that they were currently carrying out a sensitisation campaign to educate those who were misguided.
The Muslims were also asked to promptly pay their children’s school dues to enable them to compete favourably with the others.
Kakeeko also encouraged Muslims to actively participate in the country’s politics.
and Eddie Ssejjoba
THE Muslim Tabliq leadership yesterday vowed to continue with the redevelopment of Nakasero Mosque despite opposition.
“I would like to caution Muslims against groups and individuals spreading hatred to divide us. Those preachers are anti-development,†said Sheikh Sulaiman Kakeeto, the head of the Tabliq sect.
His message was delivered at the Clock Tower Grounds on Entebbe Road in Kampala, where he led the crowd in Idd Aduha prayers. Security was minimal at the venue.
In April, the Uganda Muslim Sunni Association, the Uganda Muslim Tabliq Community and city tycoon Mutasa Kafeero signed an agreement to re-develop the dilapidated mosque.
It was agreed that a multi-storied commercial building be put up on plot 4 Snay Bin Amen Street, and Plot 17A, 17B and 17C on Entebbe road, where the mosque is located.
But last month as the developer embarked on the sh5b project, a faction opposed the move, saying it was a gimmick to sell off the land.
Kakeeto called on Hajji Moses Kigongo, who is busy with national campaigns, to mediate between the rival camps.
Built in the early 1940s by the Indian Sunnis, the mosque was meant to accommodate 30 Muslims. The Tabliqs forcefully took it over in the 1970s.
Kakeeto requested the Tabliqs in support of the redevelopment to be patient, noting that they were currently carrying out a sensitisation campaign to educate those who were misguided.
The Muslims were also asked to promptly pay their children’s school dues to enable them to compete favourably with the others.
Kakeeko also encouraged Muslims to actively participate in the country’s politics.