President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sponsored 100 Ugandan Muslims for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and urged them to pray for continued peace in Uganda.
The President’s message was delivered by State House Comptroller, Jane Barekye, during a flag-off ceremony held at the Office of the Prime Minister Conference Hall in Kampala on Monday.
“As you embark on your pilgrimage to Mecca, pray for Uganda to remain peaceful,” Museveni said in his statement.
Hajj is a sacred religious duty and one of the five pillars of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is expected to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
This year’s Hajj beneficiaries include Imams, Sheikhs, and Sheikats whose travel and expenses have been fully funded by State House, following the President’s directive.
Barekye handed each pilgrim a personal upkeep allowance of USD 500 and conveyed the President’s appreciation for their devotion. “H.E. the President also thanked you for loving God and it’s the reason why he sponsored you for Hajj,” she said.
She also encouraged the pilgrims to champion the gospel of wealth creation when they return. “Embrace the four-acre model for those with small land holdings. Grow coffee, fruits, pasture, and food crops,” she advised.
Senior Presidential Advisor for Political Mobilization, Moses Byaruhanga, praised President Museveni’s inclusive leadership. “President Museveni takes the Hajj program in high esteem, that’s why he offers 100 slots each year,” he said.
He added that the pilgrims will be hosted by the President for a thanksgiving event at State House Entebbe upon their return.
Byaruhanga urged the pilgrims to support government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), emphasizing that it does not conflict with Islamic teachings on riba. “The small interest is not profit but is meant to sustain the program amid inflation,” he explained.
Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Hafidh Haroon Muhammad Bukenya, expressed gratitude to the government and called on Muslims to support national leadership.
“We thank President Museveni for making this offer annually. As Muslims, we are very happy for the support from this government. They have really supported us financially and socially,” he said. “We cannot thank President Museveni enough apart from praying for him.”
Sheikh Bukenya also reminded Muslims to respect their leaders, saying, “Leadership comes from God.”
Hajjat Mariam Namayanja, Special Presidential Assistant for Monitoring the Parish Development Model, appreciated the President’s continued support for Muslim welfare.
Sheikh Saidi Kasawuuli, Chairman of the National Association of Imams and Duats of Uganda, acknowledged the President’s consistent generosity. “He gives Muslims in Uganda 100 Hajj slots annually,” he said.
Hajji Sadat Kisuyi, Director of Anwaary Travel Agency, also thanked Allah and urged the pilgrims to remember the President in their prayers while in Mecca.