Maqam Travels Hosts Send-Off Ceremony for Late January Umrah Pilgrims

Hajji Karim Kaliisa, Managing Director of Salam TV and Salam Charity, and a patron of Maqam Travels, reminded the pilgrims that Umrah is a divine calling rather than a coincidence.
Maqam Travels, a leading travel agency and a partner of Salam TV has hosted a send-off ceremony for a group of Umrah pilgrims set to embark on their sacred journey at the end of January. The event, held at BMK Café, Hotel Africana in Kampala, brought together religious scholars and community leaders to offer guidance and prayers for the departing faithful.
Among those in attendance were Imam Ahmad Sulaiman Kyeyune, Sheikh Abduswabur Nsubuga, Sheikh Bashir Ntale, and Sheikh Mafo Shafic, the Managing Director of Maqam Travels.
Keep Reading
- > Building an Inclusive Gaming Culture for Women in Uganda
- > The Silent War: Violence Against Journalists in Uganda and the Human Cost of Press Freedom
- > MTN Uganda Honors Stanbic’s Catherine Poran for Championing Business Growth and Women’s Empowerment
- > Nurses, and midwives in Iganga ask government for basics in health facilities to enable proper services
Spiritual Guidance and Advice
Addressing the gathering, Imam Ahmad Sulaiman Kyeyune underscored the importance of maintaining a state of Wudhu (ritual purity) while performing Tawaf, a central rite of both Umrah and Hajj. He also cautioned female pilgrims against taking medication to suppress their menstrual cycle during the pilgrimage, highlighting potential health risks.
Sheikh Abduswabur Nsubuga urged the pilgrims to deepen their knowledge of Islam and adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), reminding them that every event in life unfolds according to the will and decree of Allah.
Sheikh Bashir Ntale spoke about divine mercy and forgiveness, encouraging travelers to use this opportunity to seek absolution for past sins and protection from future transgressions. He also advised them to offer supplications while drinking Zam Zam water, a ritual believed to carry spiritual significance.
Commitment to Service

Sheikh Mafo Shafic expressed gratitude to the public for their continued trust in Maqam Travels, reaffirming the company’s commitment to providing seamless and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experiences.
Hajji Karim Kaliisa, Managing Director of Salam TV and Salam Charity, and a patron of Maqam Travels, reminded the pilgrims that Umrah is a divine calling rather than a coincidence. He encouraged them to use the journey as a transformative experience, fostering stronger family bonds and community ties. He also emphasized patience, mutual support—especially for elderly pilgrims—and the importance of avoiding unnecessary distractions during the pilgrimage.
A Tribute to Muslim Women
In his closing remarks, Hajji Kaliisa paid tribute to Muslim women for their contributions to the advancement of Islam in Uganda and their role in raising future generations. He urged them to remain steadfast, assuring them that their efforts would be rewarded by Allah.
A Journey of Faith
The send-off ceremony marked a significant moment for the departing pilgrims as they prepared to embark on a spiritual journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. For many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—one of deep reflection, repentance, and renewal of faith.
Maqam Travels, a key facilitator of Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages, continues to play a vital role in ensuring that Ugandan pilgrims receive the necessary support and guidance for a fulfilling and smooth journey.
As the group sets off, they carry with them prayers, blessings, and a renewed commitment to their faith, embarking on a journey that promises to be both transformative and sacred.