President Museveni has sponsored 150 Ugandan Muslims to undertake this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, in an initiative aimed at supporting the faithful in fulfilling one of Islam’s core religious obligations.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. It takes place annually in the holy city of Mecca.
According to officials, the pilgrims will travel in two groups on May 7 and May 12, 2026. The delegation will be led by the Special Presidential Assistant for Press and Mobilisation, who also serves as Deputy Press Secretary to the President, Haji Faruk Kirunda.
The first group of 90 pilgrims was flagged off at the Office of the Prime Minister Conference Hall in Kampala by the Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Political Mobilisation, Moses Byaruhanga.
Speaking at the event, Byaruhanga commended President Museveni for extending financial support to members of the Muslim community to enable them to perform the pilgrimage.
He said the selection process was conducted in collaboration with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), with regional Muslim leaders identifying eligible beneficiaries.
He emphasised that the sponsorship is fully funded by the President and cautioned beneficiaries against paying money to any individuals claiming to facilitate their participation.
“This year, the number of sponsored pilgrims has increased from the usual 100 to 150,” Byaruhanga said, noting that the cost per pilgrim averages Shs21 million, bringing the total expenditure to over Shs3 billion.
Byaruhanga also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote financial inclusion among Muslims, including the introduction of Islamic banking alternatives within government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM). He said plans are underway to inject interest-free funds into SACCOs led by Muslim leaders to support economic empowerment.
He further encouraged investment in livestock, particularly white goats and sheep, citing demand from Saudi Arabia during Eid al-Adha.
Haji Faruk Kirunda urged the pilgrims to adhere strictly to guidelines while in Saudi Arabia, warning against conduct that could lead to legal challenges. He also called on them to uphold discipline and maintain hygiene to protect the country’s image abroad.
Hajjat Mariam Namayanja, Special Presidential Assistant in charge of monitoring the PDM, reiterated that the programme is inclusive and not based on political affiliation. She called on beneficiaries to remain patient and to pray for peace and stability in Uganda.
Officials from travel agencies involved in organising the pilgrimage, including Tawakal Travels and Anwaary Travels, expressed appreciation to the government for entrusting them with the responsibility of facilitating the pilgrims.
Several beneficiaries also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a rare opportunity to fulfil a key धार्मिक obligation that many would otherwise be unable to afford.
