Wakiso District, Uganda — On monday night , Unidentified individuals armed with pangas, hammers, and sticks stormed the Namugongo Masjid Noor Shuhad Mosque attempting to demolish the mosque’s structures just hours before the scheduled Muslim Martyrs Day commemoration.
The incident, which disrupted final preparations for the event, forced organisers to relocate the commemoration to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters in Old Kampala.
Sources revealed that the attackers arrived during evening prayers, posed as visitors, and then suddenly ordered mosque leaders, school staff, and worshippers to vacate the premises, claiming to act on behalf of the UMSC.
The situation was brought under control following a swift response from Kira Division Police, supported by the army and local leaders. Michael Ssendawula, chairperson of the Namugongo area, described the attack as extremely tense.
“The group attempted to take over the site by force. I had to call Kira Division Police for backup, as the local police post was overwhelmed. Without their intervention, the situation could have escalated into violence,” Ssendawula said.
He added that the Namugongo Muslim community is determined to preserve the site and proceed with the commemoration, despite opposition from a rival group reportedly based in Old Kampala.
“They insist that pilgrimage should be limited to Mecca, not Namugongo,” he noted.
An administrator at the mosque, confirmed that the attackers initially posed as ordinary visitors before drawing weapons and issuing threats.
Mustaf Ssetuba, a teacher at Atiq Islamic Primary School, attributed the incident to internal disputes and alleged financial misconduct within UMSC leadership.
He claimed that “The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council has received government funds to renovate the mosque and school, but those funds have allegedly been embezzled.” Adding that they’re trying to cover it up by demolishing the site ahead of the President’s visit. But this goes beyond pilgrimage issues — it’s about accountability.
