Museveni Idd money splits Masaka Muslims
President Museveni greets Masaka District Kadhi Swaibuh Ndugga recently. The President gave Muslim leaders money but some have reportedly misused it. PHOTO BY MARTINS SSEKWEYAMA
MASAKA- President Museveni’s Idd cash donation to Muslims at Masaka Main Mosque has divided them, with some accusing their leaders of not putting it to its intended use.
During Idd celebrations recently, Mr Museveni united the two Muslim factions in Masaka District and gave them Shs20 million each for development purposes.
Although the group led by Sheikh Bruhan Bagunduse, the district Khadi allied to the Old Kampala faction, reportedly put their share to proper use, Sheikh Swaibuh Ndugga’s group reportedly shared it among themselves, which has attracted criticism from their faithful.
Mr Ismail Muweesi, a worshipper at Masaka Main Mosque, said the donation was meant to facilitate the ongoing expansion of the mosque but he was surprised to learn that their leaders shared it among themselves.
Hajj Jamil Nsubuga, another worshiper, said the President handed over the money before all Muslims, implying that it was to benefit all of them.
When contacted, Sheikh Ndugga said the money was meant for buying items to use during the Idd celebrations.
“This was purely a gift for Idd and it had nothing to do with the ongoing project. Let those criticising us bring evidence that the money was for the mosque project,” he said.
Asked how the money was shared, Sheikh Ndugga said they apportioned it among themselves.
He, however, added that Mr Museveni pledged another Shs100 million to support the Mosque expansion project which they will put to good use.
