Museveni Pledges shs 12 Billion to support Muslim Community Initiatives

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1617 EAT on Tuesday 2025

President Yoweri Museveni has sponsored 50 Ugandan Muslims to undertake the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as part of a broader effort to support the Muslim community both spiritually and economically.

According to Moses Byaruhanga, Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilisation, each beneficiary received a full travel package along with an upkeep allowance of $500 (approximately Shs 1.8 million) to cover personal expenses during the pilgrimage.

“No one should ask you for money—President Museveni has covered all the costs,” Byaruhanga said while flagging off the pilgrims at Hotel Africana in Kampala last week. “We are one people, whether from Old Kampala or Kibuli sects, and we should focus on unity.”

The 50 pilgrims—selected through local Muslim leadership structures—include several Imams, Sheikhs, and Sheikats from across the country. Byaruhanga noted that the Hajj sponsorship initiative began in 2011 following a meeting between Kampala-based Imams and President Museveni, but had since stalled until Hajjat Madina Nsereko reminded the President of his earlier commitment.

“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, adding that another group of pilgrims is scheduled to be flagged off next month.

As part of a broader strategy to strengthen economic empowerment within the Muslim community, President Museveni also announced a Shs 12 billion initiative to capitalise Imam Saccos in 125 districts with Shs 100 million each.

These Saccos will offer Islamic-compliant financing options to help Imams—many of whom serve without formal salaries—access capital 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 added.

Hajjat Mariam Namayanja, Special Presidential Assistant in charge of monitoring the Parish Development Model (PDM), commended President Museveni for his continued engagement with the Muslim community.

“We thank President Museveni for listening to the needs of Muslims and ensuring they are not left behind,” she said, noting that the President has consistently honoured his promises and included Muslims in national development programs.

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