The Muslim community in Kampala and surrounding districts has successfully secured over 63 acres of land for new burial grounds. This major milestone aims to avert a growing crisis following the exhaustion of existing burial sites, most notably the prominent Nkoowe Cemetery.
The breakthrough was announced during a press briefing by the Salaam Muslim Cemetery Committee, led by prominent cleric Imam Iddi Kasozi. The initiative, dubbed the Salaam Muslim Cemetery Project, was launched in response to an urgent need for a dignified, accessible, and sustainable resting place for the community’s deceased.
Over the past 17 years, the Muslim community heavily relied on the eight-acre Nkoowe Cemetery, which hosted approximately 22,000 graves for both adults and children. Having now reached full capacity, the search for alternative land became critical.
According to Imam Kasozi, the committee has acquired two distinct parcels of land totalling 63.7 acres:
Wobulenzi: 20 acres, purchased at Shs460 million.
Sanga-Matugga: 43.7 acres, acquired at a cost of Shs2.324 billion.
To date, Shs2 billion has already been paid for the Sanga-Matugga property, leaving an outstanding balance of Shs324 million.
‘This project was started out of an urgent and genuine community need,’ Imam Kasozi stated. ‘The existing Muslim burial grounds, particularly Nkoowe I, had reached capacity, leaving the community with an immediate responsibility to secure a sustainable burial ground.’
Addressing questions regarding the time taken to finalize the purchases, Imam Kasozi explained that the committee had to reject several potential sites due to issues like swampy terrain, land disputes, poor road access, inadequate acreage, and unclear ownership documents.
‘Since this project is funded by public contributions, we had a duty to proceed carefully and responsibly,’ Kasozi defended. ‘It would not have been proper to rush into acquiring land that could later expose the Muslim community to legal, environmental, or operational challenges.’
Between 2023 and the present, the committee mobilized approximately Shs2.44 billion through generous contributions from individual Muslims, institutions, businesses, mosques, and well-wishers. Of this, Shs2.42 billion has already been spent on land acquisition and administrative logistics, leaving a balance of roughly Shs20 million pending final reconciliation.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Hajji Harunah Kibirige, outlined the next steps, which include clearing the remaining Shs324 million balance, securing formal land titles, and preparing the sites for operations.
Planned infrastructural developments at the new sites include:
Opening and marking clear boundaries.
Constructing access roads and dedicated parking areas.
Fencing the properties for security.
Developing a comprehensive land-use plan to ensure orderly burials.
To streamline the remaining fundraising goals, Hajji Kibirige announced that the committee is expanding its collection methods to digital platforms. Well-wishers will soon be able to contribute via mobile money, bank transfers, QR-code payment systems, and online pledge registration platforms to boost convenience and financial transparency.
While burial plots at the new cemeteries will be provided entirely free of charge, families will be required to pay nominal fees for the operational services provided at the site.
Hajji Kibirige appealed to the public for continued financial and moral backing, describing the project as a form of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity).
‘A great milestone has been achieved, but the project still requires additional support to clear the remaining balance and prepare the land for proper use,’ Kibirige said. ‘This is a lasting investment for the Muslim community that will provide a dignified resting place for generations to come.’