President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has increased government support to Muslim pilgrims, sponsoring 150 Ugandans for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
The development marks an expansion from the usual 100 beneficiaries, in a move officials say is aimed at widening access to one of Islam’s most important religious obligations.
Hajj, a sacred journey undertaken in Mecca, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime, subject to financial and physical ability.
The first group of 90 pilgrims was flagged off on Tuesday at the Office of the Prime Minister Conference Hall in Kampala by the Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Mobilisation, Moses Byaruhanga.
Byaruhanga described the initiative as a fully funded State House programme implemented in partnership with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), with selection handled by Muslim leaders across regions.
“Instead of the usual 100 slots, the President has this time round sponsored 150 Muslims for Hajj,” he said. “Each Hajj costs about Shs21 million on average, which translates to more than Shs3 billion for all beneficiaries.”
He cautioned prospective pilgrims against paying money to intermediaries, emphasising that the offer is entirely financed by the President.
“This programme is free. No one should be asked to pay anything in the name of facilitation,” Byaruhanga said.
The delegation, travelling in two batches on May 7 and May 12, will be led by the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation, also Deputy Press Secretary, Haji Faruk Kirunda.
Kirunda urged the pilgrims to strictly observe guidelines while in Saudi Arabia and avoid conduct that could tarnish the country’s image.
“There’s a difference between tourists and pilgrims. Follow the rules and guidelines to avoid getting into trouble,” he said.
Hajjat Mariam Namayanja, Special Presidential Assistant in charge of monitoring the Parish Development Model (PDM), reiterated that the programme is inclusive and not based on political affiliation.
“This Hajj offer is not discriminatory. All eligible Muslims can benefit because it is a national programme,” she said, urging the pilgrims to pray for peace and stability in the country.
Religious leaders and travel operators welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant boost to Muslims who would otherwise be unable to afford the pilgrimage.
Dr Kikambi Twaha Muhammad, Director of Tawakal Travels, said the sponsorship enables ordinary Ugandans to fulfil a key religious obligation.
“This is the fifth pillar of Islam. We thank the President for supporting our brothers and sisters to achieve it,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude, describing the opportunity as life-changing.
“I didn’t expect it, but Allah has made it possible for me,” said Mayimuna Nababi from Mukono district.
Sheikh Kassim Kigozi from Butambala district said he was “so excited” to finally undertake the pilgrimage after missing out last year.
The initiative is part of ongoing State House support to faith-based communities, with officials saying it also complements broader efforts aimed at social inclusion and national cohesion.
