President Museveni Sponsors 150 Pilgrims for Hajj in Mecca

President Yoweri Museveni has extended support to Uganda’s Muslim community by fully sponsoring 150 individuals for the sacred Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. This significant gesture, valued at an estimated Shs3 billion (Shs21 million per pilgrim), underscores the President’s ongoing commitment to religious inclusivity and facilitating spiritual obligations for his citizens.

The pilgrims will travel in two batches between May 8 and May 12, 2026, with the entire process managed by State House in collaboration with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). This year’s sponsorship marks an increase from the usual 100 pilgrims.

During a send-off event, Senior Presidential Advisor Moses Byaruhanga emphasized the transparency in the selection process, noting that regional Muslim leaders were involved in identifying eligible beneficiaries. He also issued a stern warning against any fraudulent attempts to solicit money from the pilgrims, reiterating that the entire sponsorship is covered by the President.

The delegation will be led by Faruk Kirunda, the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation. Kirunda urged the pilgrims to adhere strictly to Saudi Arabian laws and maintain discipline to uphold Uganda’s image abroad. He cautioned them against behaving like tourists and emphasized the importance of respect, hygiene, and honesty.

Beneficiaries were selected from all regions of the country without discrimination. Alongside facilitating the Hajj, the government is also promoting economic empowerment within Muslim communities through initiatives like Islamic banking and interest-free SACCO funding, aimed at improving livelihoods.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-sponsors-150-pilgrims-to-mecca-5451056