Nicholas A
Residents of Rugarama North Sub County in Ntungamo District are urging the Equal Opportunities Commission to ensure fairness in resolving the land disputes between them and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.
Recently, the Equal Opportunities Commission summoned Rugarama North Sub County officials, some residents, and members of the Muslim community to inspect the disputed land, which took place yesterday.
As per the summons, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council has accused Ivan Rwanyakibare of discriminating against the Muslim community, preventing them from using their property, and demolishing their mosque on Kituuro land.
According to Shaikh Swaleh Kashangirwe, they were allocated Kituuro land in 1977 but have since been denied access to it by Rugarama North Sub County authorities. They raised their grievances with the Equal Opportunities Commission seeking justice.
However, Ivan Rwanyakibare, the Chairperson of Rugarama North Sub County, denies any discrimination against Muslims or any religious group in his jurisdiction. He maintains that Kituuro land does not belong to Muslims and adamantly opposes any attempts to allocate it to them, warning of legal action if such a move is made improperly.
Kakooza Savio Ntensibe, head of legal services investigations, stated that they received a complaint from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council regarding the allocation of Kituuro land in Kyafora, Ntungamo District, by the Amin government in 1970. He emphasized that according to the constitution, everyone has the right to worship without interference and that they will not tolerate the segregation of Muslims.
Ntensibe added that the Commission will collaborate with the Ministry of Lands to address this matter.
