President Museveni has hailed the Muslim community in Uganda for its continued support towards government programmes and contribution to national development.
The President’s message was delivered by the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Lukia Nakadama Isanga, during special thanksgiving prayers held at Gaddafi National Mosque.
The prayers were organised in honour of the President and the nation ahead of his swearing-in ceremony .
The event, which took place shortly after Juma prayers, was presided over by Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya on behalf of the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, who was attending the burial of the late Sheikh Issa Yiga in Butambala District.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Nakadama thanked Muslims for their role in nation-building and noted that the government values their contribution to Uganda’s development.
“What you have to know, Muslims, is that President Museveni really values your contributions towards nation-building. That is why he always includes some of your members in government positions,” Nakadama said.
She encouraged Muslims to continue engaging government constructively and urged them to lobby for increased representation in public offices as well as access to scholarships, especially in science-related fields.
Nakadama also applauded President Museveni for sponsoring 150 Muslims to perform the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, describing the gesture as a sign of the government’s continued support towards the Muslim community.
She further appealed for unity among Muslims, saying this would strengthen their ability to engage government on issues affecting their welfare.
“Unity will quicken the President’s attention to listen and respond positively to whatever request you may present,” she said.
Nakadama also called upon Muslims and all Ugandans to attend the presidential inauguration ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Earlier, Eng. Joseph Mukasa Ssava, the Presidential Envoy for Buganda Affairs who represented Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda, commended the cordial working relationship between the government and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.
In his remarks, Sheikh Bukenya thanked President Museveni for what he described as continued support to the Muslim community, citing contributions towards the construction of the National Mosque and the UMSC headquarters, as well as a recent donation of shs 2 billion towards the Muslim Women Sacco.
He also urged Muslims serving in government offices to uphold integrity, professionalism, and dedication while executing their duties.
“We appeal for more recruitment of qualified Muslims into government positions because many Muslims today possess the qualifications required to serve this country,” Dr. Sheikh Bukenya said.
The thanksgiving prayers attracted hundreds of Muslims and leaders from different parts of the country as Uganda prepares for the presidential inauguration next week.
