Ref: AF/PR/2023/016 Date: November 15, 2023
The Community in Jinja, Uganda had a large population of our Community members before the exodus in 1972, its Mosque was a centre for a number of activities for the residents there, the significant event being the Ashura procession which use to start from Jinja Mosque and end at the Kampala Jamaat complex.
Following the re-acquisition of the property in the early 1990s, renovations and some minor repairs were carried out at the Mosque, however the condition of the property had deteriorated and hence a complete renovation of the entire property was necessary. This was carried out in September and October 2023 under the Africa Federation Housing Board led by its Chairman Akil Bhai Hirji in collaboration with Riyaz bhai Mithani and Afzal bhai Bhimani, Africa Federation provided major part of finance for the renovations of the Mosque.
Currently the Mosque is being utilized by the Bilal Muslim Mission community in Jinja, as there are no Khoja community members who have returned there after the exodus. The newly appointed Bilal Muslim Mission of Uganda has taken over the administration of the mosque and will oversee the management and will organize various tabligh programs at the Centre with well-trained scholars.
The renovations works were carried out in two stages as follows:
- Phase One: Mosque (inside and outside), electrical works and bathrooms
- Phase Two: Expansion of the ladies’ wings, rehabilitation of the library, flooring and putting up a shop whose income will assist towards the cost of the upkeep of the property.
Before and After Pictures:
The Ex Ugandans Community members who were visiting Uganda from different parts of the world had an opportunity to visit Jinja on Sunday 1st October 2023 and were impressed with the renovation works carried out.
Following the conclusion of the 86th Supreme Council Session in Kampala, a delegation comprising the AFED Vice Chairman Aunali Khalfan, CBB Chairman Alhaj Mohamed Hemani, BMM Tanzania Chairman Alhaj Hussein Karim and members of BMM Uganda visited Jinja on Monday 2nd October 2023 to see the progress done and how this will be utilized as a Centre for the Bilal Community.
This visit also marked the opening of the renovated Mosque on the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of our Holy Prophet (SAWW), the opening was done by the AFED Vice Chairman, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, accompanied by the AFED delegation and members of Bilal Muslim Mission of Uganda.
Below are some pictures taken during the visit:
The members of the Bilal community in Jinja appreciated the renovations worked carried out saying that they feel proud to have a beautiful Mosque with better facilities and clean surroundings.
They were also appreciative of the upgrade done to the Library which will now attract more people including students and scholars to make use of the facility.
The Bilal Muslim Mission of Uganda intends to make Jinja one of its vibrant Centre. They shall work towards providing more books and resources for the library to make it a place of obtaining knowledge and wisdom.
The Mission will also start classes at the centre which will assist the members to grow spiritually and intellectually. These classes will cover a range of topics to suit different interests and needs.
There is a plan also to create an income generating outlets adjacent to the Jinja Mosque thereby the income will support the running and maintenance of the Mosque and the Madressa/Library.
The Secretariat records its appreciation to the Housing Board Chairman Alhaj Akil Hirji, Project Coordinator Mohamed bhai Moledina, Kampala Jamaat President Alhaj Sibtain Merchant, Alhaj Shabbar Virani, Alhaj Riyaz Mithani, Alhaj Afzalali Bhimani, and other members.
We pray to the Almighty for the success of the BMM Uganda’s objective of making the Jinja Centre a thriving and productive one.
Secretariat