What you need to know:
- The committee has approved burial fees of Sh150,000 for adults and Sh100,000 for children below 15 years.
Salamu Muslim Cemetery Initiative has raised Sh2 billion towards the purchase of a 43.7-acre burial site in Sanga, Wakiso District, but needs another Sh600 million to clear outstanding land acquisition and development costs ahead of the planned opening on November 1.
The initiative’s treasurer, Hadijah Nakayiza, said on Tuesday that the land was purchased for Sh2.324 billion, leaving a balance of Sh324 million, while estate development fees amount to Sh276 million.
The outstanding obligations bring the total cost of land acquisition and development to about Sh2.6 billion.
“We sincerely thank everybody whose contributions have enabled the payment of Sh2 billion towards the land purchase. We appeal for continued support to meet the remaining obligations,” Ms Nakayiza said.
The initiative has set November 1, 2026, as the planned commencement date for burial services, although the opening remains subject to completion of site preparations and operational arrangements.
Spokesperson Imam Iddi Kasozi said the project was launched on December 12, 2023, to secure and develop burial grounds for the Muslim community.
He said the initiative had progressed from fundraising and land acquisition to preparations for burial services, with the committee working to establish a facility that provides organised and dignified burials in accordance with Islamic practices.
Preparations include clearing the land, designating burial areas, establishing access routes and arranging staffing, water and sanitation facilities, as well as systems for maintaining burial records.
The committee has also erected five directional signposts along the route from Sanga town to the cemetery to guide visitors.
The initiative said further details on burial arrangements, designated contact persons and authorised payment channels would be communicated through its official channels ahead of the opening.
Burial fees set
The committee has approved burial fees of Sh150,000 for adults and Sh100,000 for children below 15 years.
Sheikh Haruna Kibirige, the committee chairman, said the fees would contribute towards providing burial services and meeting the cemetery’s operational costs.
Receipts will be issued for payments to ensure proper accounting and accountability. Families have also been advised to consult designated cemetery representatives when making burial arrangements.
The initiative has appealed to donors, religious leaders, community members and other well-wishers to contribute towards the outstanding costs.
The planned opening comes as the committee continues to mobilise resources to complete the necessary preparations and establish a cemetery to serve the burial needs of the Muslim community.