UMSC Haj Delegation returns, thanks Saudi King.
The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council-UMSC Haj Delegation, led by Hon. Muhammad Ali Aluma, the UMSC Secretary-General has returned home safely after completing the pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah and Madinah in 2023. The entire delegation, consisting of ten pilgrims, including 105-year-old Mzee Haj Isah Mukungu, was fully sponsored by His Majesty King Salman ibn Abdul-Aziz Al Saudi of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The delegation returned to Uganda on midmorning Tuesday, July 4th, 2023, via Ethiopian Airlines. They were warmly welcomed by His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, Dr. Sheikh Ziyad Swaleh Lubanga, the Director of Sharia, UMSC officials, relatives, and well-wishers. After the welcoming ceremony, the pilgrims proceeded to the UMSC Headquarters, where Hon. Muhammad Ali Aluma had a brief chat with other UMSC departmental heads and staff members.
During his remarks, Hon. Aluma expressed his gratitude and described the pilgrimage as the highest spiritual achievement of their lives. He expressed deep appreciation to His Majesty King Salman and His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje for granting them the rare opportunity to participate in this year’s global gathering of the Muslim world for the performance of the Haj rituals. “I have really run short of words in describing my inner warm feelings towards this journey. Indeed, we received the highest treatment and care in all spheres of life including travel, accommodation, security, and meals,” he said. Sheikh Maulana Saed Sekanjjako Mugayangambo, the Mityana Muslim District Officer in charge of Dawah-Islamic Propagation, shared his overwhelming experience of the holy journey, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill this significant religious obligation.
The successful completion of the Haj pilgrimage marks a significant milestone for the UMSC Haj Delegation and demonstrates the strong ties between Uganda and Saudi Arabia in promoting religious unity and cooperation.