Museveni splashes Shs 12 billion on Muslims

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

According to Moses Byaruhanga, senior presidential advisor on political mobilisation, the beneficiaries each received a comprehensive travel package and an upkeep allowance of $500 (about Shs 1.8 million) to cater for personal expenses during the pilgrimage.

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

The 50 pilgrims, selected through local Muslim leadership structures, include several Imams, Sheikhs, and Sheikats drawn from different parts of the country. Byaruhanga revealed that the Hajj sponsorship program started in 2011, after a meeting between Kampala Imams and the President, but had stalled until Hajjat Madina Nsereko reminded Museveni of his 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 will be flagged off next month.

In a strategic economic move, Museveni also announced plans to capitalise Imam Saccos in 125 districts with Shs 100 million each, 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.

Hajjat Mariam Namayanja, special presidential assistant in charge of monitoring the Parish Development Model (PDM), praised the President for consistently honouring his promises to the Muslim community.

“We thank President Museveni for listening to the needs of Muslims and ensuring they are not left behind,” she said.