news 27 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Muslim Leaders Demand Probe into Missing Hajj Tickets Funded by President Museveni
Ugandan Muslim leaders are calling for an investigation into the alleged disappearance of 83 government-funded Hajj tickets, leaving many pilgrims stranded for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. They also raised concerns about visa processing issues impacting hundreds of aspiring pilgrims. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/muslim-leaders-demand-probe-into-missing-museveni-funded-hajj-tickets-5475926
Muslim leaders in Uganda are demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged misuse of 83 Hajj travel tickets that were reportedly funded by President Yoweri Museveni. The pilgrims were meant to travel to Mecca and Medina for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
During Idd-ul-Adhuha prayers, the Mufti of Uganda, Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, stated that while President Museveni allocated 100 tickets, only 17 individuals were able to utilize them. He accused individuals connected to government structures of taking the remaining tickets and engaging in the commercialization of the Hajj, turning a religious duty into a business.
Sheikh Mubajje expressed dismay over the exploitation faced by ordinary Muslims, noting that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has repeatedly tried to intervene. The UMSC plans to meet with President Museveni to address systemic issues and corruption within the Hajj organization.
Adding to the concerns, the Secretary General of the UMSC, Abbas Sekyanzi Muluubya, highlighted significant challenges in visa processing. Despite the council and its partners processing payments for 348 visas, only 242 were approved, preventing 97 Muslims from making the journey.
Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, acknowledged the recurring problems and pledged to work with relevant authorities to resolve these discrepancies. These issues echo past incidents, including in 2025, where hundreds of Ugandans missed the pilgrimage due to administrative and payment delays.