Kampala, Uganda - Two presidents, Ameni Abeid Karume of Zanzibar and Ismael Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, arrived yesterday to take part in today's opening of the grand Gadaffi National Mosque at Old Kampala.
The afternoon ceremony, to be officiated by Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gadaffi will be preceded by prayers marking the birth of Prophet Mohammed at Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium. Col. Gadaffi on Monday closed the Afro-Arab Conference.
Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh (L) on arrival at Entebbe International Airport yesterday. Mr Guelleh is in the country to attend today's opening of Gadaffi National Mosque and celebrations to mark Prophet Muhammed's birthday. Next to him is the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Information and National Guidance, Mr Kirunda Kivejinja and the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura. President Ameni Abeid Karume of Zanzibar also arrived yesterday. Photo by Stephen Wandera
More presidents, including Mwai Kibaki (Kenya), Paul Kagame (Rwanda) and Pierre Nkurunziza (Burundi), are expected to arrive today.
The mosque, formerly referred to as Old Kampala and the seat of Islam in Uganda, had stalled for the last 25 years mainly due to infighting between the various sects within the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and lack of money.
Col. Gadaffi's intervention saw the completion of the mosque, arguably the second largest in Africa. The ultra-modern mosque, which has redrawn Old Kampala's skyline, houses the Mufti's residence, UMSC offices and a shopping mall.
It has a capacity of 12,000 people. Its value is a secret, according to engineer Majdi Abdulhadi, the site manager.
However, it is the largest donation from Libya to any African country.
The Libyan government also pledged to meet its maintenance costs for at least 10 years. At the same site is the historic Fort Lugard, the spot where Capt. Fredrick Lugard, a British army officer, stood and declared Kampala the capital city of Uganda.
Gadaffi invites Kabaka
Meanwhile, Col. Gadaffi has invited the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi and his ministers to Libya to a sign a memorandum of understanding on trade ties.
Through his interpreter Habib Kagimu, Col. Gadaffi was told that the Kabaka, who is currently in the United Kingdom, would leave for Tripoli when he returns.