By Masejele Sulaiman
MBALE CITY – Leaders of the Nakaloke Center Mosque construction project have expressed concern over delayed fulfillment of pledges, saying the challenge continues to hinder progress on the multi-billion-shilling mosque project.
During Friday prayers and a fundraising drive held on June 5, 2025, mosque leaders revealed that several commitments made by prominent leaders and well-wishers remain outstanding, affecting efforts to complete the structure.
The mosque project, valued at Shs3.5 billion, was launched in 2019 by the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Dr. Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje. According to project plans, the three-storeyed building will accommodate more than 6,000 worshippers in two prayer halls and will also house a conference hall, shops and office space.
Sheikh Salman Faris Balamazi, the Imam of Nakaloke Center Mosque, appealed to the Mufti to follow up on pledges reportedly made by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and former Speaker Anita Among.
He said the Prime Minister pledged Shs20 million and 500 bags of cement, while Anita Among pledged Shs20 million, but the project committee has not yet received the contributions.
“Many people make pledges but do not fulfill them, which has delayed the work,” Sheikh Balamazi said. “The public believes the mosque already received these funds, yet we are still struggling to raise the resources needed to continue construction.”
The chairman of the construction committee, Haji Sulaiman Hirome, said the project currently stands at 40 percent completion and requires an additional Shs1.5 billion to complete the remaining works.
“So far, our completion rate is approximately 40 percent, but our mobilisation efforts have been exhausted,” he said while presenting the project status report.
The fundraising event also attracted support from the Member of Parliament for Northern Division, Mr. Nandala Nangoli, who pledged Shs10 million towards the project. He contributed Shs1 million in cash and committed to paying Shs2 million every month until the pledge is fulfilled.
Nangoli described the completion of the mosque as one of his priorities, noting that the project is located within his constituency.
Addressing worshippers, Mufti Mubajje commended Muslims for supporting the project and urged communities to rely more on local resource mobilisation instead of waiting for external support.
“We cannot continue waiting for other people to bring us development. We should start somewhere because it is upon every Muslim to work for the Jama,” he said.
He said the progress made so far demonstrates that local communities can successfully mobilise resources for Islamic development when they work together.