UGANDA, Jinja | Real Muloodi News | The Uganda Land Commission (ULC) has intervened in a dispute between Jinja Regional Referral Hospital authorities and the Jinja Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Jinja Branch over contested land.
The land in question, located on Baxi Road from Plot 31 to Plot 39 in Jinja City, adjacent to the hospital and Jinja Muslim Cemetery, has sparked a conflict between the two parties.
According to Dr Alfred Yayi, the Director of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, they seek to expand hospital facilities on the land, including the regional blood bank, cardiac centre, dialysis centre, and cancer ward.
Conversely, Mr Ismail Adi Basoga, the District Kadhi leading the UMSC, claims ownership, stating intentions to establish a prayer centre and shopping arcade for income generation.
Dr Yayi asserts that the Uganda Land Commission allocated the land to the hospital, while the UMSC claims it was donated by former President Idi Amin Dada.
Despite Minister Sam Mayanja’s inspection of the land on March 12 and subsequent meetings, which favoured the UMSC’s claim based on historical use as a cemetery since 1927, protests erupted among Jinja residents on March 21.
Residents contested Minister Mayanja’s decision, citing a 2009 court ruling in favour of the hospital. In response, the UMSC initiated activities on the land, including prayer sessions and grading, reinforcing their claim.
The Uganda Land Commission has issued a summons to both parties for a meeting on April 17 to resolve the impasse.
In a letter signed by the Acting General Secretary of Uganda Land Commission, Mr Andrew Nyumba, both parties were directed to cease activities on the land pending resolution.
Dr. Yayi welcomed the invitation, emphasising the importance of dialogue in resolving such disputes.
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, acknowledged the intervention of stakeholders, including Ms Rebecca Kadaga, in addressing the issue during the Iftar Dinner organised by the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope.
Ms Kadaga’s letter dated April 3 condemned Minister Mayanja’s directive, citing a court ruling in favour of the hospital and ordering the withdrawal of the order.
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