President Museveni Sponsors 150 Muslims for Mecca Hajj Pilgrimage

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has once again demonstrated his commitment to the Muslim community by sponsoring 150 individuals for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This year’s sponsorship includes an increased number of beneficiaries, up from the usual 100 slots, highlighting the President’s dedication to facilitating this fundamental Islamic practice.

The first group of 90 pilgrims was officially flagged off in Kampala by Mr. Moses Byaruhanga, Senior Presidential Advisor in-charge of Political Mobilisation. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Muslim community for the President’s unwavering support.

Each pilgrim’s Hajj costs an estimated Shs21 million, bringing the total sponsorship from President Museveni to over Shs3 billion. Mr. Byaruhanga also mentioned the President’s plans to inject billions into interest-free SACCOs for Muslim leaders, including Imams, to foster economic empowerment within the community.

Accompanying the pilgrims on May 7th and 12th will be Haji Faruk Kirunda, Special Presidential Assistant-Press and Mobilization, who also serves as Deputy Press Secretary to the President. Pilgrims were urged to remain focused on their spiritual journey, avoid any acts that could lead to trouble, and maintain proper hygiene to represent Uganda and State House positively.

Representatives from Tawakal Travels and Anwaary Travels, companies tasked with facilitating the pilgrimage, expressed their gratitude to the President for entrusting them with the opportunity to serve the pilgrims. They assured the pilgrims of receiving excellent services during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

The beneficiaries, who were carefully selected in collaboration with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) through a transparent process, expressed profound joy and thankfulness for the life-changing opportunity. Many shared their excitement, with some having missed the pilgrimage in previous years.

Pilgrims were also encouraged to pray for peace in Uganda and for the continued well-being of President Museveni.

This initiative, fully funded by President Museveni, underscores his consistent support for the Muslim faith, enabling ordinary Ugandans to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam. The program is described as non-discriminatory, open to all eligible Muslims regardless of their political affiliations.

Source: State House (Uganda)