What stalled Rwf14.5 billion mosque renovation in Kigali? #rwanda #RwOT

Both mosques are central to the religious life of Muslims in Kigaliâ€"Masjid Alfatah located in Biryogo, adjacent to Onatracom head office, and the Madina Mosque in the city center.

Preparations regarding the renovation project began before the COVID-19 pandemic, involving the Rwanda Muslim Community (RMC) and the Saudi Arabian government, which was expected to fund the initiative.

The plans for Masjid Alfatah included expanding its capacity from 500 to over 2,500 worshippers and adding a commercial facility to generate revenue.

The Madina Mosque was expected to undergo an extensive overhaul, with a new structure with over 10 floors, where the ground floor would serve as the mosque and the upper floors would be used for commercial activities. The total cost was estimated at Rwf8 billion for the Madina Mosque and Rwf6.5 billion for Masjid Alfatah.

In an interview with IGIHE, the Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya, explained that the project was to be implemented through cooperation with the Saudi Arabian government, which had also funded the original construction of Masjid Alfatah in 1974.

"This mosque at Onatracom was built 50 years ago in 1974 by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At the time, the King of Saudi Arabia visited Kampala, and Muslims from Rwanda went there to welcome him. They presented a request to build a mosque which he welcomed and funded the project," Sheikh Sindayigaya noted.

"Given this historical connection, the leadership of the Muslim community in Rwanda reminded them about the mosque they had helped us build, which has now aged and needs renovation. They agreed to assist with this mosque as well as the one in the city center."

Sheikh Sindayigaya mentioned that representatives from Saudi Arabia visited Rwanda to discuss the implementation of this project with the leadership of the Muslim community in Rwanda.

"A delegation comprising officials from various ministries convened: they included the Finance Ministry and that in charge of Religious Affairs who contacted us through our very own Ministry of Foreign Affairs,' Sindayigaya explained.

He said that they met with the former Mufti, Sheikh Salim Hitimana, who then presented the projects, which they had already received in writing and got them approved.

According to him, a site visit was then conducted and appreciated, leaving them with a solid hope that the project would be implemented.

However, as preparations to implement the project proceeded the COVID-19 pandemic struck, delaying the planned activities.

"They later informed us to start preparing, as the funding agreements would be signed soon. We started gathering the necessary documents, but then COVID-19 hit, leading to an economic downturn in many countries, and after the pandemic, some countries became more focused on their own issues," Sindayigaya explained.

He however revealed that the new leadership of the Rwanda Muslim Community has resumed discussions, and expressed hope that the project will be revived, with the support of the Rwandan government.