MP Atima Confirms Vice President’s Visit to Arua City

ARUA. Jackson Atima Lee Buti, the Arua Central Division Member of Parliament (MP) has officially confirmed the coming of the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda to Arua City.

Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo is expected in Arua on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, to preside over a fundraising drive for the construction of Irishad complex Mosque in Arua Central Division.

At least Shs1.03bn is expected to be raised during the function which will be held at Arua primary school ground on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Speaking to journalists at Hill Top Hotel on Friday, Hon. Atima confirmed Rtd. Maj. Alupo’s coming and urged the people of West Nile to turn up in big numbers to support Her Excellency (H.E) in raising the necessary funds for the construction works of the mosque which is now at slab level.

“I can confirm to you that the Vice President is visiting Arua on my invitation and the Muslim community of Arua. We shall be having a grand fundraising towards the construction of the Irishad complex mosque which is situated in Arua Public Cell, Barsar Ward in Arua Central Division of Arua City in the West Nile region,” Atima said.

“You will realize that because of the city status of this town, the number of Muslims in the city has grown tremendously to an extent that the Muslim brothers and sisters, during worship time, end up praying on the road side.

Many times, when you come around these mosques which are situated in town like Safi, Irishad and Mukhtar, you will find that the number of the Muslim brothers and sisters who come for worship out shadows the surrounding of that area where now the leadership always seeks for police permission to pray up to the road side,” Atima added.   

He said the practice has become very risky for the Muslim faithful to continue laying mats on the road to pray on.

“And during the rainy season, rain washes them and at times, they end up not praying. So, the Muslim community thought it wise that they should put up a complex mosque that can accommodate the growing number of worshipers,” Atima explained.

He expressed happiness that the mosque to be built has the component of offices, and business space which will also bring income to the Muslims.

“So, the purpose of this function is to generate and raise money to continue with the construction works at whatever level it will take it to, we will continue to mobilize funds from people of all walks of life; from stakeholders, from other religious institutions, from the government, from friends and whoever is ready to do the work of Allah,” Atima remarked.

He observed that they are blessed to host H.E, the Vice President of Uganda tomorrow at the fundraising event.

“We are here to say welcome to the Guest of Honor, H.E Rtd. Maj. Jessica Alupo, the ground is already set, the people of Arua are ready to receive you, the Muslim community, the business community and the Christians among other people are ready to come. Everybody is really charged to receive you to officiate at this function,” Atima emphasized.

But Atima clarified that the function is non-political, adding that his involvement shouldn’t be viewed in a political lens.

“I welcome everybody regardless of which political affiliation you belong to, which religious affiliation you belong to, which tribe you are – know that this is the work of God. So, come in big numbers to support this fundraising and show love to our beloved Vice President who has accepted to come amidst her busy schedule,” Atima appealed.

Similarly, Salim Kumakech, the Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC) warned against politicizing the event.

“It is expected that Her Excellency the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda will be the Chief fundraiser. As expected, this fundraising is not a political event.  It is a religious activity initiated by the Muslim leadership with support of the Area MP (Hon. Atima) where the mosque falls,” Kumakech said.

He, however, said it has come to his attention that some politicians are mobilizing their agents and supporters to come and cause a political show not primarily for the fundraising but to show the Chief Guest that they have the political support base.

“I therefore, want to advise that wearing of political colours and other paraphernalia on the day of the fundraising at the ground is prohibited. Kindly only put on attires that depict the religious content. All should take this message seriously and not to turn the noble religious event into a political showdown,” Kumakech further warned.

Earlier on, Sheik Abdulaziz Qaasim Alkury, the Arua Muslim District Deputy Khadi, appealed to the public to join hands in supporting the project.

“It is not necessary that you have to construct the whole mosque but that one brick you are bringing qualifies you to be among those who constructed the mosque. So, let us all come together to see that this project succeeds. Whatever kind of support you can give, give it with clear intention and the Almighty will pay you back,” Alkury said.