Returning Pilgrims Praise UMSC Hajj Coordination
The Mufti of Uganda, Dr.Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has urged Muslims to begin saving early for Hajj, describing the pilgrimage as a mandatory pillar of Islam rather than a journey to be undertaken only when one has surplus income.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving -Shukur held in honour of Haji Issa Wanderema, UMSC General Assembly Representative for Bududa Muslim District following his successful completion of the Hajj- pilgrimage. The Mufti said every Muslim with the means should deliberately prepare for the sacred journey through consistent savings and sincere intention.
”Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is not something Muslims should wait to perform when they have spare money. With clear intentions and commitment, nothing is impossible,” he said.
The thanksgiving ceremony was held at Bubwaya Village in Manafwa Town Council, Manafwa District on Saturday July 11th 2026.
The Mufti blamed the desire for free Hajj sponsorships for corruption surrounding the Presidential Hajj Offer, revealing that some individuals, including officials in State House, were implicated in irregularities surrounding the programme.
”The desire for free Hajj has fueled corruption in the Presidential Hajj Offer. This corruption even involves some individuals in State House. We shall raise these issues when we meet the President,” he said.
He added that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council is already working with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to address challenges affecting the pilgrimage programme.
Sheikh Mubaje also praised UMSC Secretary for Hajj and Umrah, Sheikh Ali Juma Shiwuyo, for successfully coordinating this year’s pilgrims.
”I have not received any complaints from the pilgrims. Sheikh Shiwuyo handled them well,” he said.
The Mufti further cautioned Muslims against prioritising Umrah while neglecting Hajj, noting that once a Muslim has the capacity to perform Umrah, Hajj equally becomes obligatory. He encouraged believers who have not fulfilled the obligation before death to clearly state this in their wills.
He also urged Muslim parents to prioritise religious education for their children to strengthen the future of the faith.
Earlier, Sheikh Ali Shiwuyo encouraged Muslims intending to perform Hajj to begin making payments immediately, noting that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council accepts instalment payments.
He advised prospective pilgrims to ensure they complete payment of their Hajj fees by November, adding that early preparation eases the financial burden.
Shiwuyo commended Haji Issa Wanderema for his determination, revealing that the host had spent two years saving for the pilgrimage before finally fulfilling his lifelong dream.
One of the returning pilgrims, Haji Haruna Musiwa, applauded Sheikh Shwiuyo for his honesty and dedication throughout the pilgrimage. He said while other operators charged pilgrims USD 200 to slaughter sacrificial animals, the UMSC team charged only USD 100 and even refunded pilgrims 121 Saudi Riyals after expenses were settled.
Haji Issa Wanderema thanked Allah for enabling him to complete Hajj and appealed to the Mufti to continue advocating for competent Ugandans to represent the country in international engagements. Drawing from his experience in Makkah and Madinah, he said Uganda’s organic agricultural products, including coffee and food, have export potential that could benefit both the country’s economy and Muslim pilgrims if appropriate trade linkages are established.
The thanksgiving ceremony was attended by the Regional Kadhi for Eastern Uganda, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Hamid Wandenga; the Kadhi of Bugisu Muslim District, Sheikh Ahmad Issa Masaba, and his deputy Sheikh Ismail Higenyi; the Kadhi of Bududa Muslim District, Sheikh Twaha Nabundesi; and the former Kadhi of Lango Muslim District, Sheikh Ishaq Nangoye, among other Muslim leaders.