Imams, sheikhs among 50 Museveni-sponsored Ugandan Muslims set for Mecca pilgrimage

MECCA - A group of 50 Ugandan Muslims is set to embark on a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, fully sponsored by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Umrah is often referred to as the 'lesser' or 'minor' pilgrimage. It is an act of worship undertaken by Muslims and involves pilgrims travelling to the blessed city of Mecca.

The pilgrims, drawn from different parts of the country, include several Imams, Sheikhs, and Sheikats, selected through local Muslim leadership structures.

The flag-off ceremony at Hotel Africana in Kampala city on Thursday, July 31, 2025, marked a significant moment in the continued support by the President towards the Muslim community in Uganda.

The event was presided over by Senior Presidential Advisor for Political Mobilisation Moses Byaruhanga, who delivered President Museveni’s message to the pilgrims.

He urged the Muslim community to continue praying for peace and prosperity in Uganda, noting that President Museveni remains committed to fostering unity and development across all religious and cultural divides.

“We are proud that our President is enabling fellow countrymen and women to fulfil this sacred duty. Let us continue to pray for peace and prosperity in our country,” Byaruhanga said.

Transparent selection process

He reminded the congregation that the President’s generosity is grounded in his desire to ensure all Ugandans, regardless of faith, can access meaningful spiritual and economic opportunities.

Byaruhanga emphasised that the selection process is managed transparently by the Muslim community itself and cautioned against any attempts at corruption or solicitation of money from the beneficiaries.

“No one should ask you for money. President Museveni is covering all the costs. We are one, whether from Old Kampala or Kibuli sects, and we should focus on unity,” Byaruhanga stated.

Allowance

Each beneficiary received a presidential travel package and an upkeep allowance of USD 500 (about shillings 1.8 million), delivered at the ceremony. The financial support is intended to help cover personal expenses during the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Byaruhanga recounted how the programme came to be.

“In 2011, I arranged a meeting between Kampala Imams and the President. They requested annual Hajj sponsorships. Although the initiative stalled for a while, it was revived recently through the efforts of Hajjat Madina Nsereko, who reminded the President of the commitment,” he explained.

He further noted that in earlier years, around shillings 2.5 billion was used to send about 100 people to Mecca, but the new arrangement allows for annual sponsorships on a smaller, more manageable scale to ensure continuity and inclusiveness.

Unwavering support

Byaruhanga assured the Muslim community that President Museveni’s support is unwavering and that another group of pilgrims will be flagged off next month as part of the ongoing annual sponsorship.

In a strategic move to economically empower Muslim leaders, Byaruhanga also announced President Museveni’s plan to capitalise Imam SACCOs in 125 districts with shillings 100 million each.

This initiative is designed to support Islamic-compliant financial lending, especially since many Imams serve their communities without formal salaries.

“There are 82 Muslim districts, but the President wants to support all Ugandans. The SACCOs will allow Imams to borrow and invest in line with Islamic principles,” he said.

Accompanying Byaruhanga at the event was Hajjat Mariam Namayanja, Special Presidential Assistant in charge of monitoring the Parish Development Model (PDM) program. She expressed gratitude to the President for consistently honouring his promise to support Muslims in fulfilling their religious obligations.

“We thank President Museveni for listening to the needs of the Muslim community and making sure they are not left behind,” Hajjat Namayanja said.

The gesture has been widely welcomed as a demonstration of President Museveni’s commitment to religious harmony, social inclusivity, and equitable development, reinforcing the importance of faith in national prosperity.