Jinja, Uganda | The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has been granted access to Jinja Cemetery following a dispute with the UPDF’s engineering brigade, which had blocked access while constructing a perimeter wall on contested land.
The resolution came after a meeting involving Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba, Health Minister Ruth Aceng, and UMSC leaders. They agreed on an alternative access route to the cemetery that utilizes a triangular piece of land between Clive Road and Bax Road, providing both access and parking for mourners.
Minister Aceng emphasized that the land would be provided free of charge, aiming to strengthen ties between UMSC and Jinja Hospital, which collaborates to support local communities. She directed Jinja Hospital officials to draft a resolution to officially grant UMSC the 0.5 acres of land.
Aceng also stated that surveyors would work with Jinja city authorities to delineate the land for UMSC, while the remaining area could be used for the development of more specialized medical services, such as a blood bank and cancer institute.
Nabakooba noted the cemetery is nearing capacity and suggested that UMSC consider acquiring a 10-acre plot outside Jinja's central business district for future burials, a move she could advocate for with the president.
UMSC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Lubega praised the ministers for their efforts in resolving the issue and encouraged the Muslim community to express gratitude for the newfound access, viewing it as a hopeful step toward further collective achievements.
