KAMPALA, Uganda

The Türkiye Diyanet Foundation opened a mosque in central Uganda's Luwero district on Wednesday.

Gul Mosque, whose construction began late last year with funds from the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, which supports the work of Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs, will benefit more than 500 residents.

Turkish Ambassador to Uganda Fatih Ak was the chief guest at the Gul Mosque’s opening, where he distributed Ramadan aid packages to the community.

In his remarks, Fatih Ak said Türkiye is a country that stands against religious extremism.

“Our mosques are not only places of worship, but also educational and social service institutions, that play an important role in keeping young people away from bad habits, raising them as useful individuals for society, and ensuring women are more active participation in social life,” he said.

“The Islamic school represented by Türkiye is an understanding that stands against extremism in religion,” he emphasized.

Ilyas Bulut, coordinator for the foundation, told Anadolu that the mosque was built in response to local Muslims' requests for a prayer space.

"We responded to the residents' request, as there was no mosque in the area. We built this place of worship with our partner, the Zumar Foundation," he said.

He added that more mosque construction projects are underway in different parts of the country.

Türkiye is a leading sponsor of the construction of new mosques around the world, enhancing the country's international image as an Islamic world leader who looks after Muslims everywhere.

The mosques are funded by a variety of Turkish sources, including government departments, foundations, and wealthy businessmen.

The prayer leader or Imam of the Gul Mosque praised the Turkish people for their generosity in providing a permanent mosque in the area.