news 14 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan Muslim Leaders Urge Unity Ahead of Hajj and Umrah Season
As the Hajj and Umrah season begins, Ugandan Muslim leaders are emphasizing the importance of peace, discipline, and unity, calling on the faithful to set aside political differences for the sake of national development and spiritual growth. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ugandan-muslim-leaders-rally-for-unity-as-hajj-and-umrah-season-begins-5460146
With the official commencement of the 2026 Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, prominent Muslim leaders in Uganda are issuing a fervent call for peace, discipline, and solidarity.
Ambassador Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu, Uganda’s envoy to Sudan and Special Presidential Envoy to Qatar, emphasized that political differences should not breed animosity. “We may differ in our political affiliations, but that should not make us enemies. Muslim leaders must take the lead in promoting peace because development only flourishes where people cooperate,” he stated during the launch of a new children’s Umrah initiative in Kampala.
Ambassador Ssemuddu also commended Ugandan travel agencies for prioritizing pilgrim welfare, noting the country’s organized approach compared to some international markets. He highlighted the positive impact of digital transformation in making religious education more accessible through social media.
A significant development highlighted was Maqam Travels’ pioneering Umrah program for children, designed to instill a “spiritual foundation” by exposing young Muslims to the historical sites of Islam. This initiative aims to make the spiritual journey a formative experience from a young age.
Yasin Ssekikuubo, Maqam Travels’ PRO, announced a discounted package for children aged six to fifteen, priced at Shs5.5 million for a trip scheduled on December 9, 2026. “We want children to understand where the Quran was revealed and where Prophet Muhammad lived,” Ssekikuubo explained.
Scholar Sheikh Muhsin Burhan Kiti underscored the necessity of discipline during the pilgrimage, reminding travelers that Hajj is a test of character requiring patience and adherence to Islamic values amidst potential challenges.
The overarching message as the community prepares for the pilgrimage season is that the strength of the faith is reflected not only in the rituals performed in Mecca but also in the harmony and cooperation maintained within Uganda.