Entebbe, Uganda | The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, has ordered the reopening of Masjid Taqua Mosque in Entebbe, which was closed earlier this month due to a dispute over leadership and ownership. The mosque reopened on Wednesday under the supervision of Entebbe Division Police Commander Steven Twinomugisha, following Byakagaba's directive.
The mosque's closure stemmed from a power struggle between two factions claiming authority over its management. The issue was discussed in a meeting that included Byakagaba, Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) leader Sheikh Shaban Mubaje, and other Muslim leaders from the Entebbe Muslim District. The closure had disrupted religious activities and other functions at the mosque.
Originally constructed by Indian Muslims, the mosque was transferred to local Muslims after former President Idi Amin expelled the Indian community in 1972. In 2012, Umar Bashir Matovu's group formed Masjid Taqua Company Limited and obtained a title for the mosque and surrounding land. However, this leadership was challenged by a rival faction led by Matovu Edirisa Phigo, which claimed that Matovu's leadership was illegitimate.
Tensions escalated when Bashir Matovu’s group accused the rival faction of attempting to sell the mosque property for personal gain. In a court ruling in 2019, the two groups had agreed to form a joint leadership and halt legal disputes. However, the Bashir Matovu group maintained control, leading to further conflict last month when the Phigo group forcibly removed them.
To maintain peace, the Entebbe Municipal Council's security committee decided to close the mosque until the situation could be resolved. Subsequently, the Bashir Matovu group filed a high court petition seeking confirmation of their ownership of the land and damages for trespass by the Phigo group.
Haji Sadiq Mukasa, secretary of the Bashir Matovu group, noted that they were awaiting a court registrar's visit to the site on November 4th as part of their legal proceedings. The group claims that an Indian investor is awaiting a refund for a plot sold on contested land, emphasizing that ongoing disputes have hindered development.
Critics have also targeted the UMSC leadership under Mubaje, alleging that personal interests have led to the sale of Islamic properties, raising concerns about governance and accountability within the organization.
Despite criticism, Mubaje has retained his position, attributing opposition to sectarian and tribal motivations. Meanwhile, a parallel leadership has emerged in Kibuli, led by the "Supreme Mufti," challenging his authority.
