President Museveni sponsors 150 Ugandans to perform Hajj

Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has increased the government support to Muslim pilgrims, sponsoring 150 Ugandans for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia.

The development marks an expansion from the usual 100 beneficiaries, in a move officials say is aimed at widening access to one of Islam’s most important religious obligations.

The initiative is a fully funded State House programme implemented in partnership with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), with selection handled by Muslim leaders across regions.

The programme aims to support Muslims who cannot afford the high costs of Hajj, especially with rising fees for airfare and accommodation

“Instead of the usual 100 slots, the President has this time round sponsored 150 Muslims for Hajj. Each Hajj costs about Shs21 million (USD 5,500) on average, which translates to more than Shs3 billion for all beneficiaries,” said the Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilisation, Moses Byaruhanga.

“In previous years, about Shs 2.5 billion was spent to send 100 pilgrims. The new approach funds smaller annual groups to ensure continuity and inclusiveness,” he explained while emphasising that the programme is entirely financed by the President.

Each of the beneficiaries received a comprehensive travel package and an upkeep allowance of $500 to cater for personal expenses during the pilgrimage.

The delegation, travelled in two batches on May 7 and May 12, and was led by the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation, Haji Faruk Kirunda.

Kirunda urged the pilgrims to strictly observe guidelines while in Saudi Arabia and avoid conduct that could tarnish the country’s image.

The Hajj sponsorship program started in 2011, following a meeting between Imams and the President.

Hajj, a sacred journey undertaken in Makkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime, subject to financial and physical ability.

In another development, President Museveni also announced plans to capitalise Imam Saccos in 125 districts with Shs 100 million each (US$26,700), a total investment of Shs 12 billion. These Saccos will provide Islamic-compliant lending opportunities, helping Imams, many of whom serve without salaries, access funds for income-generating activities.

“There are 82 Muslim-majority districts, but the President wants to support all Ugandans. These Saccos will allow Imams to borrow and invest in line with Islamic principles,” Byaruhanga said.