President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sponsored 150 Ugandan Muslims to undertake this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred pilgrimage that every able Muslim is required to perform at least once in their lifetime. It takes place annually in Mecca.
The pilgrims, scheduled to travel in two groups on May 7 and May 12, 2026, will be led by the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation, who also serves as Deputy Press Secretary to the President, Haji Faruk Kirunda.
The first batch of 90 pilgrims was flagged off at the Office of the Prime Minister Conference Hall in Kampala by the Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilisation, Moses Byaruhanga.
Byaruhanga commended President Museveni for continuing to support the Muslim community through sponsorship of the pilgrimage.
“I thank the President for extending support to Muslims to perform Hajj. I also appreciate Hajjat Mariam Namayanja and Haji Faruk Kirunda for their coordination in ensuring the success of this programme,” he said.
He noted that the selection process was conducted in collaboration with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), with regional Muslim leaders participating to ensure transparency.
“This time, instead of 100 pilgrims, the President has sponsored 150 Muslims. Each Hajj costs about Shs21 million, totaling over Shs3 billion,” he added.
Byaruhanga also cautioned beneficiaries against paying any money to individuals claiming to facilitate the pilgrimage, emphasizing that the programme is fully funded by the President.
He further highlighted government efforts to promote economic empowerment among Muslims through Islamic banking and interest-free SACCO initiatives targeting religious leaders, including Imams.
He encouraged communities to embrace livestock farming, particularly white goats and sheep, noting their strong demand in Middle Eastern markets during Eid Al-Adha.
On security and conduct, Haji Faruk Kirunda urged pilgrims to strictly observe Hajj guidelines.
“Pilgrims should not behave like tourists. They must respect the rules and remain disciplined throughout the journey,” he said.
He also emphasized discipline, hygiene, and respect for laws in Saudi Arabia, warning that violations could attract legal consequences.
Hajjat Mariam Namayanja, Special Presidential Assistant in charge of Monitoring the Parish Development Model, reiterated that the programme is fully funded by the President and urged Muslims to report any extortion attempts.
She also called on pilgrims to pray for peace and stability in Uganda.
“This is a national programme open to all eligible Muslims regardless of background. We should remain calm, disciplined, and prayerful for our country,” she said.
Representatives from pilgrimage travel agencies, including Tawakal Travels and Anwaary Travels, thanked the President for entrusting them with facilitating pilgrims, noting that dozens of pilgrims are being supported under their arrangements.
Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing it as a life-changing blessing and appreciating the President’s support in enabling them to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam.
Religious leaders, including district Kadhis, also welcomed the initiative and encouraged Muslims to appreciate the gesture and pray for continued peace and leadership in the country.
