Muslim factions in Lango are embroiled in a fight over the ownership of Muslim properties. The dispute is between the leaders of the Lango Muslim group, who are led by Kadhi Sheikh Ishaq Salim Nangoye, and the leaders of the Madina Faiza Mosque, also called Lira PS, who are led by Sheikh Muhammad Yusuf Balinda, who recently joined the Kibuli faction.
The two groups are fighting over the ownership of Lira Primary School land, Ojwina Seed Secondary School, Madina Faiza Mosque, health center III, and a youth resource center, all situated on the primary school land. In September, Sheikh Nangoye wrote to the head teacher of Lira Primary School demanding all the documents related to the school’s ownership.
The head teacher, Benson Ario, wrote back, saying that he couldn’t release such important documents without the approval and knowledge of the school management committee, foundation body, and other stakeholders. However, the Lango Muslim District Secretary, Fadhil Oguta P’Ochira, insists that the donor who constructed the mosque and other facilities at Lira PS came through UMSC, which makes it their property.
Sheikh Nangoye has written to the Lira City Clerk to fast-track the process of formalizing the Ojwina Seed School with his office to ensure its smooth operation. However, Sheikh Balinda, who was recently appointed the Supreme Kadhi of the Lango Muslim Community under the Kibuli faction, says that they are the sole owners of all properties at Lira Primary School and will defend it at all costs. He advises whoever is claiming ownership of those properties to go to court.
Sheikh Balinda says that the other group is now interested in the properties, especially the seed school, because they found out that the government has given money to help it grow.
Lawrence Egole, the Lira Resident City Commissioner, explained that the row between the two Muslim groups should not affect the operation of the two schools because they are run by the government and not the foundation body.
Al-Dawa Al-Islamiyah, an Islamic missionary and relief organization, built Madina Faiza Mosque, a health center, and a community resource center.
