Hi, I am Anguzu, Radio Pacis AI Assistant. How can I help you today? Ask me about Radio Pacis, our programmes, frequencies, news, Arua, or the world around us.
An architectural design for the New city mall to be constructed by Gasmart Investment Limited in Gulu city By Odong Stephen Gulu City Gulu City is set to host a new modern shopping mall following an official handover of a site project by the Acholi Muslim Dist
An architectural design for the New city mall to be constructed by Gasmart Investment Limited in Gulu city
By Odong Stephen
Gulu City
Gulu City is set to host a new modern shopping mall following an official handover of a site project by the Acholi Muslim District to Gasmart Investment Limited.
The event took place on August 27, 2025, in Laroo-Pece Division, Gulu City where a plot of land between Acholi Road and Cemetery Road in Nakasero was officially handed for the project. The site, formerly a Muslim cemetery, has already undergone a full exhumation and relocation process.
According to the Acholi Muslim District, 580 corpses were buried on the land, and of these, 318 remains were exhumed and reburied at Lawiyadul Cell Cemetery in the same division. The rest could not be identified due to the age of the graveyard.
In his address, Sheik Muzammil Ismail Mandela, the District Khadi of the Acholi Muslim District, said the Acholi Muslim district and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council had fulfilled their roles in securing a developer and called on city leaders to support the project.
“We have done our part to bring in a developer who will make this place beautiful and represent our city. Please, when the developer needs support, I urge you to grant it, so we can develop the city we all love,” said Mandela.
Nasser Musa Odongkara (in black suit) from Uganda Muslim supreme council handing over the land document to Mahamud Jama of Gasmart investment LTD
Representing Gasmart Investment Limited, Abdulai Husein delivered a message from company director Mohamud Jama, who expressed gratitude for the land.
“This project will not only drive economic growth but also create opportunities and jobs for the community. We invite leaders and residents alike to support it,” Jama said. He further urged the city to prioritize opening of an access road adjacent to the site.
The matter of road access dominated much of the discussions. Onzima Kasim, Secretary for Muslim Property, reminded city leaders that the Muslim community had already surrendered part of the land in 2018 to allow for road construction.
“We gave out the land without asking for compensation because we wanted to be pro-development. But since then, the road has not been opened. If you don’t need it, then give our land back,” Kasim challenged.
Responding to the concerns, Laroo-Pece Division Mayor Hon. Geoffrey Otim pledged his full support to the project.
“Our division fully supports this initiative. My office and the Town Clerk will cooperate to ensure there are no delays. The road is already earmarked for tarmacking under the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCIMID 4) project,” he assured.
However, Deputy Resident City Commissioner Peter Banya advised that the road should be opened immediately, even before tarmacking, to allow access for heavy trucks during construction.
“If we keep postponing such works, more developments will come up, and we may face resistance when we finally try to open the road. Therefore, before this project begins, let’s ensure proper access is created, even if it is not yet tarmacked,” Banya emphasized
He also appealed for affordable rental spaces in the new mall to accommodate vendors. “We have many street vendors with no space to sell. By putting up this mall, please ensure affordable lock-ups so even the youth can benefit,” Banya added.
The proposed Gulu City Mall, valued at over UGX 5 billion, is expected to be completed within two years. Once finished, it will provide a modern hub for trade, employment, and business growth in the heart of Gulu City.