President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sponsored 150 Muslims to undertake this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, in a fully funded program aimed at enabling more faithful to fulfill one of the key pillars of Islam.
Hajj, a sacred journey required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime, takes place annually in Saudi Arabia and draws millions of pilgrims from across the globe.
The Ugandan delegation will depart in two groups on May 7 and May 12, led by Haji Faruk Kirunda, the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization and Deputy Presidential Press Secretary.
The first group of 90 pilgrims was flagged off on Thursday by Moses Byaruhanga at the Office of the Prime Minister conference hall in Kampala.
Byaruhanga praised President Museveni for extending support to the Muslim community, noting that the program was implemented in collaboration with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council to ensure a transparent selection process.
“This time, the President increased the number of beneficiaries from the usual 100 to 150 pilgrims,” Byaruhanga said, adding that each pilgrimage costs about Shs21 million, bringing the total sponsorship to over Shs3 billion.
He cautioned beneficiaries against paying money to individuals claiming to facilitate the trip, emphasizing that the program is fully funded by the President.
Byaruhanga also highlighted government efforts to accommodate Islamic financial principles, referencing the introduction of Islamic banking as an alternative to conventional systems under the Parish Development Model (PDM), which some Muslims have criticized over interest (riba).
He further encouraged Muslims to invest in rearing white goats and sheep, citing strong demand in Saudi Arabia during the Eid al-Adha period.
Hajjat Mariam Namayanja, Special Presidential Assistant in charge of monitoring PDM, reiterated that the program is inclusive and non-discriminatory, urging beneficiaries to pray for peace and stability in Uganda.
“Last time we prayed and we had peaceful elections. We should continue praying for our country and leadership,” she said.
Haji Faruk Kirunda advised the pilgrims to strictly observe guidelines during the pilgrimage and avoid conduct that could tarnish Uganda’s image.
“You are going as pilgrims, not tourists. Follow the rules and respect the laws of Saudi Arabia,” Kirunda said, warning that offenders risk facing legal consequences without government intervention.
Travel agencies involved in organizing the pilgrimage, including Tawakal Travels and Anwaary Travels, expressed gratitude to the President for entrusting them with the exercise.
Several beneficiaries also shared emotional testimonies, thanking President Museveni for giving? qthem an opportunity they would otherwise not have afforded.
“I didn’t expect this, but Allah has made it possible for me. I am very happy,” said Mayimuna Nababi from Mukono District.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage remains a significant spiritual milestone for Muslims worldwide, and Uganda’s government-backed initiative continues to enable more citizens to take part in the sacred journey.