By. Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L. H. D. (Hon.)

Kampala — The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), through its Zakat and Swadaqa Department, has issued an updated announcement on the current Zakat Nisab, following a fresh assessment of prevailing gold and silver market values.

According to the Council, the revised calculations place the gold Nisab at the equivalent value of 85 grams of gold, amounting to UGX 28,545,673.25, based on the current price of UGX 335,831.45 per gram.

Similarly, the silver Nisab has been determined at 595 grams, valued at UGX 2,533,331.50, using the price of UGX 4,257.70 per gram.

After harmonizing the requirements, UMSC has set the current Zakat Nisab at UGX 2,500,000 (Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Shillings). This means that any Muslim whose wealth—whether savings, cash, or trade goods—meets or exceeds this threshold and has been held for at least one lunar year (Hawl) is religiously obligated to pay Zakat at a standard rate of 2.5% of their qualifying wealth.

A Reminder of the Spiritual Duty

Quoting the Qur’an (9:103), the Council emphasized the spiritual importance of this pillar of Islam:
“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke blessings upon them.”

UMSC reiterated that Zakat is not merely a financial responsibility but an act of worship that purifies wealth, strengthens community bonds, and supports vulnerable members of society.

How to Pay Zakat

Muslims who are eligible and ready to fulfill their obligation can make payments through the official UMSC Zakat account:

• Account Name: UMSC Zakat Account
• Account Number: 0052110001
• Bank: Diamond Trust Bank

For assistance in calculating or paying Zakat, the public is encouraged to contact the UMSC Zakat and Swadaqa Department at the UMSC Head Office in Old Kampala or call +256 789 199903.