In a generous act of support for Uganda’s Muslim community, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has fully sponsored 50 Ugandan Muslims to undertake the sacred Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in 2025. This initiative underscores the President’s ongoing efforts to support religious inclusivity and empowerment across Uganda.
The Umrah, often referred to as the ‘lesser’ pilgrimage, is one of the most important spiritual journeys for Muslims worldwide. Unlike the Hajj, which has a fixed date, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, and it is a profound act of devotion and worship.
The 50 pilgrims, including Imams, Sheikhs, and Sheikats, were selected through local Muslim leadership structures across Uganda. The flag-off ceremony took place at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Thursday, July 31, 2025. This momentous event was presided over by Mr. Moses Byaruhanga, Senior Presidential Advisor for Political Mobilization, who conveyed President Museveni’s message to the pilgrims.
A Commitment to Religious Harmony
Mr. Byaruhanga emphasized that President Museveni’s support for the Muslim community stems from a deep commitment to unity, peace, and prosperity in Uganda. The President believes that by facilitating the spiritual journeys of Ugandans, regardless of their faith, he is contributing to a more inclusive society that recognizes the importance of religious observances in fostering national cohesion.
“We are proud that our President is enabling fellow countrymen and women to fulfill this sacred duty,” said Mr. Byaruhanga. “Let us continue to pray for peace and prosperity in our country.”
He also urged the Ugandan Muslim community to remain united, emphasizing that the sponsorship is a government initiative, with no financial obligations placed on the pilgrims. He assured the congregation that President Museveni’s generosity was part of his broader vision to create meaningful spiritual and economic opportunities for all Ugandans, irrespective of faith.
Transparency in the Selection Process
The sponsorship program has been managed transparently, with the Uganda Muslim leadership overseeing the selection process. Mr. Byaruhanga reiterated that no individual or organization should solicit money for participation in this program.
As part of the sponsorship, each of the 50 pilgrims received a presidential travel package and a financial upkeep allowance of USD 500 (approximately UGX 1.8 million). The financial support is intended to help cover personal expenses during the pilgrimage in Mecca, ensuring that the pilgrims can focus entirely on their spiritual journey.
A Long-Standing Commitment
The initiative to sponsor Ugandan Muslims for Hajj and Umrah dates back to 2011 when Imams from Kampala made a formal request for government support to facilitate annual pilgrimage sponsorships. Although the program had faced some setbacks, it has recently been revived with greater continuity.
During the event, Mr. Byaruhanga reflected on the earlier years when a significant amount of money was used to sponsor pilgrims. However, this new arrangement allows for annual sponsorships on a more manageable scale, ensuring that the program continues and remains accessible.
Empowering Muslim Leaders Through Economic Support
In addition to sponsoring the pilgrimage, President Museveni has announced plans to capitalize Imam SACCOs in 125 districts across Uganda. The government will allocate UGX 100 million to each SACCO, aimed at providing Islamic-compliant financial lending to Imams, many of whom serve their communities without formal salaries.
“This initiative will enable Imams to borrow and invest in line with Islamic principles, enhancing their financial independence and community support,” Mr. Byaruhanga explained.
Religious Inclusivity and National Development
President Museveni’s sponsorship of the 50 Ugandan Muslims for Umrah, along with the financial support for Imams’ SACCOs, highlights his commitment to religious inclusivity and the role of faith in national development. This gesture is seen as part of Uganda’s broader vision for social cohesion, where all religious groups are supported in their spiritual and economic pursuits.
Continued Support for the Muslim Community
Hajjat Mariam Namayanja, Special Presidential Assistant in charge of monitoring the Parish Development Model (PDM) program, also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for consistently honoring his promise to support the Muslim community.
“We thank President Museveni for listening to the needs of the Muslim community and ensuring they are not left behind,” she said.
In conclusion, this initiative represents a remarkable example of President Museveni’s commitment to the Muslim community and to fostering unity and prosperity in Uganda. It not only empowers individuals to perform Umrah but also creates long-term opportunities for financial empowerment through Islamic-compliant SACCOs, contributing to the overall development of Uganda.
