news 1 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
1,546 Ugandan Pilgrims Cleared for 2026 Hajj Amid Warnings on Rogue Agents
Uganda's Muslim leaders have hailed the Uganda Bureau of Hajj Affairs for clearing 1,546 pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, emphasizing structured processes and cautioning against unauthorized agents. Officials confirmed visa closures, sponsorships, and mandatory health checks as preparations advance. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/over-1-500-pilgrims-cleared-for-2026-hajj-as-officials-warn-against-rogue-agents-5443640
Uganda’s Muslim community is gearing up for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, with the Uganda Bureau of Hajj Affairs (UBHA) announcing that 1,546 pilgrims have received full clearance to visit Makkah and Madinah.
At a send-off event in Wandegeya Mosque, Prince Dr Kassim Nakibinge, titular head of Muslims in Uganda, commended UBHA for bringing order to Hajj operations. He highlighted how the bureau has eliminated past confusions and promoted unity, thanking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for recognizing UBHA’s authority.
Nakibinge warned pilgrims to avoid rogue agents, stressing registration only through UBHA-accredited organizations. UBHA chairperson Zakariya Kyewalyanga noted that visa processing ended yesterday, with only 62 of 82 registered groups meeting Saudi and Ugandan standards. Hajj packages start at Shs20 million, and State House sponsored 150 pilgrims.
Kyewalyanga, appointed by Saudi authorities as Uganda’s Hajj coordinator, alerted travelers departing from May 10 to anticipate delays due to security for the presidential swearing-in and airport congestion. All pilgrims have received sensitization, passports, visas, and yellow fever cards.
Health screenings are now mandatory to prevent past illnesses and deaths, as stated by visa overseer Hussein Mutyaba. Nakibinge urged humility during Hajj, reminding pilgrims of equality before God, and called for humane handling of Kampala street vendor evictions.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)